Can I Put A Wooden Cabin/shed On My Land To Carry Out A Biodiversity Study? Loophole!

[chazdaz]

I have recently built a wooden eco-friendly cabin/shed on 1 acre of land (woodland) I own which is in the greenbelt and surrounded by several hundred acres of privately owned woodlands. I am using the cabin as the base for an ecology study of the area. The land itself use to have a house on it which was demolished in he 1960's and still has a covenant on the land for a dwelling place.

I have recently caught the attention of Planning Enforcement who say it is not allowed and has told me I need to do something about it!

I would like to keep it up for a few more months at least but now understand I may need to demolish it....

Can I stall any future enforcement orders they may issue?

Can I apply for a temporary structure with the intention of dismantling it in say a year....?

Thank you

[jomifl]

It just needs to be portable so some kind of plausible wheels may be enough to allow them to follow the letter of the law.

[chazdaz]

I do not have wheels on it, it is resting on padstones. It could theoretically be moved but would need a crane! I thought it would be ok as the land had outbuildings on it back in the 1960's and thought as I have placed the cabin it the location of an old outbuilding which was also demolished many years ago I would have an argument at least!??

[Peaspeculiars]

Hi Chazdaz - just a few things for you to consider:
-are you in Scotland or Wales (as legislation differs for each)?
-Would someone have had to have been on your property to view the structure? perhaps trespassing to do so?
-do you have any old plans of the previous buildings (you will still need to apply for permission, but it might help your case for a temporary structure if you can prove there was something there originally)
-have you fallen out with any neighbouring land owners when shipping your cabin parts in i.e. tractor ruts/ tree damage from lorries/ vans - this might give you an idea of who has reported you.
- If it is one of your neighbours - start being very nice to them. Like wise with the planning officer - whatever you do, don't argue - they are entirely partial to being more lenient with a polite but knowledgeable person - lets face it, they get shouted at enough! so it makes a change when they meet a patient land owner. I don't mean bake them a cake - be personable - invite them onto your property for a look round and a chat and show them the plans from the previous dwellings/ outbuildings - Ask for their expertise & advice - Flatter them.
Take a look at this link which you might find helpful:
http://www.woodlands.co.uk/owning-a-wood/woodlands-and-planning-legislation/

It also suggests that you will need planning - but it is rare to get a dwelling application passed - hence you will need to emphasise 'Temporary', 'Moveable', and 'Previously there was such and such..' in your application.

Failing that - find some pipistrelle bats quick smart and ask them nicely to hang off your rafters whilst the Buildings Officer is there!
Your best bet is to call your local planning department and ask for an on-site meeting with the officer to offer them your proposed plan of action/ solution (be positive) and go from there.
Good luck!

[Peaspeculiars]

# or in England#

[Tuvok]

Google old maps - then find your area and find the oldest map that shows a building on your property.