5 replies to this topic

[Eddie]

Hi All,

 

I'm a new member of F2F so please forgive me if my question is naïve or has already been answered.

 

I have approximately 2.6 hectares which I've owned for around 7 years.

 

Being completely aware of the time and commitment needed to create my dream it has taken until now to be in the right position to 'crack on with it'

 

On site I have a wooden stable block which I use for storing some machinery and tools etc.

 

It's not big enough for everything and it's not particularly welcoming as a place to escape from the weather.

 

So - I took delivery of a storage container a couple of weeks ago to create some extra dry space.

 

One of the local parishioners mysteriously informed the LPA that my container had arrived.

Hence, I received a surprise telephone call from a pleasant and helpful Enforcement Officer. 

The conversation we had was centred around what I would be using it for. He proceeded to explain that storage containers had a habit of being used for purposes other than what they were initially intended for. 

His final advice to me was to put in a planning application - no major rush as long as it's in by the early part of next year.

 

Although I could easily put in an application, I had some niggling hesitations that this could jeopardise my future plans.

So I thought I'd ask for someone's thoughts first?

 

I did presume that I'd be able to have a temporary structure without needing planning permission, and I did also presume that since any number of people I know locally have done similar, that mine would quietly go the same way.

 

Oh, the mistakes we make !!!

 

My goal is of course to go from field to farm and this was supposed to be a little preparation.

My timescale to go from field to farm is by the end of February so my attention is firmly focussed from now on :-)

 

Yours most gratefully, Eddie

[boiow]

providing that you have an agricultural trade or business, then storage containers are exempt from planning control if used for ' purposes ancillary to agriculture'.  planning officers like to invite you to submit a planning application because that way they have the power. We have found that if you know the law then the local planners leave you alone (ish) because they can't control you.

[elegantstorm]

Our LPA have said that they cannot control/restrict temporary storage on land as long as it's used in connection with agriculture (storage of tools, equipment, seed, feed - anything that can be justified as agricultural use).  It also must not have services connected - so if you put power in for lights or water for a sink or toilet then it can only be there for 28 days, after that time it's considered permament.  On a different note we've had a 'site container' onsite for over 3 years now (a shipping container converted into a toilet/shower block).  We use it for an annual camping event and show we organise on the site.  We don't have permission and the neighbours have moaned about this (as well as everything else we do) but the LPA have not asked us about this todate.  We make a point of disconnecting the electric and pipes after the event each year so it is not permament, even though we never move the actual unit.

[boiow]

strictly speaking under law having services connected does not mean that it is permanent and there are court cases to that effect.  Our planning officer tried that one , but backtracked when she knew that we knew better.

[elegantstorm]

'The services' was some information provided by enforcement officers who visited in connection with a portacabin we have here as an office and store.  I suggested it was temporary and portable (being a portacabin) but they said because it was connected to electricity for more than 28 days it would need permission.  They are currently trying to enforce against it (5 years on) though the notice they have issued states it's a static caravan used as a residential dwelling, when it is clearly a portable jackleg building used as office and store.

[Groundhog]

wouldnt get into too much dialogue he has given you his opinion.Leave it now and wait for them to come back to you hopefully they wont but if they do raise the valid points that have been  given to you.dont try fixing something that isnt broken at this stage