Building in parents garden

[jackson030207]

Hi all, im after some advice. My husbands mother owns 4 acres of land in a green belt area and currently has a 3 bedroom bungalow and several derelict barns. We are thinking of building our own bungalow (an earthship!) in the boundary of her garden however we are unsure whether we need to obtain planning permission for this as we would want to have a separate driveway (coming from hers not the road) and make the building completely separate.

Do you think it would be more likely to be passed if we converted the barns or better if we go for a new building within the boundaries of her garden?

Thanks in advance

Danielle

[woofgang]

that really depends on what the local policy is...either way, new dwelling, separate access or not equals planning permission IMO. Try your local council website, ours has some good basic info about requirements and where to start

[Davethedog]

My experience is you should ask the council about it, the will have a planning department and they will advise you.

I needed planning to replace my roof and I had to pay for the "privilege"

[buildersmate]

Getting residential planning permission in protected areas is difficult at the best of times is hard. That's why they are protected areas.
The best bet is invariably to seek to convert the existing buildings which are at least standing there now - not to try and get something from scratch.
It MAY be easier to convert one of dwellings if you accept that the application is for an extension in the grounds of the existing house - i.e. using one of the barns. But please realise that the implication of this is that the two properties cannot ever be split (without another Planning Application - and unlikely to be granted) and are legally one property at the Land Registry.

Policies vary a bit between councils - even in protected areas.
Although it costs money, you may have to seek the advice of a Planning Consultant who can assess how best to exploit the potential for loopholes.

[AlBags]

Sensible rural councils always prefer conversion and/or change of use to existing buildings.
Probably more leeway converting existing layout.

[cassa333]

You could always say you are romany gypsies, build it over the coming bankholiday with planning application dropped in 15 minutes before close of business on the Friday.

Then put in retrospective planning on Tues.

Job done.

[ollywilli]

you will propably need planninf permission for a new dwelling in the garden, and also for the barn conversion, but more likely to get it for the barn generally, but what ever you do, do not demolish the barn once you get planning permission as often in their policies once that has happened it is as if it was never there.

Have a look on the planning portal website for that area to see what has been done in the surrounding area, and talk to some active architect and plan drawers in the area for advice, and if you get a nice planner they may actually come out of the office to see you.