Greenhorn question

londonercsecse · Post by **londonercsecse** » Sun Sep 01, 2013 11:35 am

So, if i've bought (wood)land without planning permition , would i break any law, rule, legistlation if i live there in a tent or trailer, off grid? England. Thx.

Plymtom · Post by **Plymtom** » Sun Sep 01, 2013 12:11 pm

I'm not sue it depends on a lot of things in your area, but without permission a permanent home is pretty much not allowed, but there are all sorts of ways you can live there part time like Kenneth McCloud's man made home thing, which could work out ideal, because you don't want to live there full time do you? Only if you have to, at which point who's going to tell you, You can't?

piglet · Post by **piglet** » Sun Sep 01, 2013 4:41 pm

If you live there full-time and the locals spot you they will likely report you to the local council. NIMBY

A young couple tried to live full-time in a small caravan near to the farm I used to work on, and the council had them evicted PDQ.

But, someone else built a wooden furnished chalet in woodland they bought and only used it as a weekend holiday home. The planning department were aware and didn't seem to have a problem with that.
Obviously the people who built the chalet went through the correct procedures whereas the young couple in the caravan just tried to go stealth.

Also, someone tried to do the same with a large tent and they were evicted as well.

I have often wondered if you had the money whether you could own several plots (in different council areas to avoid too much attention) and rotate between them, although that in itself, cost aside, would raise lots of difficulties.

I know that you can buy woodland and use it to practice Bush craft skills, but generally, it is expected that you wont be living there full time.

Rearfang · Post by **Rearfang** » Sun Sep 01, 2013 6:41 pm

I've been toying with the idea off buying some woodland in the future funds allowing like the idea of building a log cabin on the site or even one of these underground homes
Does anyone know if there are any ongoing cost off buying woodland like rates or taxes

piglet · Post by **piglet** » Sun Sep 01, 2013 7:48 pm

As far as I am aware......And am by no means an expert, although have been involved in a small scale in forest management......There are no taxes to be paid on woodland unless you are making an income from it, in the form of timber sales etc.

I believe inheritance tax may be due should you leave the land to someone, especially if it has been proven that it has been managed for timber etc whilst in your ownership.

Briggs · Post by **Briggs** » Sun Sep 01, 2013 10:33 pm

My woodland is classified as a commercial property and planning permission exists for a building designed to provide basic shelter when I'm there. I have permission for a shipping container. (Check out Google for ideas on container conversions). I pay no rates, no taxes. The restriction is that I cannot stay overnight more than 28 days per year. If I applied for more nights or to change the container for a lodge or similar building then that needs planning consent and it will probably attract rates.

My advice is look for a bit of woodland you like and check with the local council what is allowed. If theres no permission in place then from my experience I am sure that If you can convince them you have plans to manage the woodland then they must allow you basic shelter.

There are some restrictions in place by the forestry commission too, for example I can't chop every tree down and sell the timber (as Piglet said). I am limited to 5 cubic metres of timber per quarter by the FC.

tigs · Post by **tigs** » Mon Sep 02, 2013 5:17 am

there was the c4 program with Kevin McCloud who built a mobile shed on some woodland, as long as it is not permanent you don't need planning permission in most areas built its still worth checking, failing that as long as it cant be seen guerrilla build it f its not noticed in 10 years it cant be pulled down

The-Great-Nothing · Post by **The-Great-Nothing** » Mon Sep 02, 2013 8:43 am

From my research.....

You can stay in accommodation that is classed as a caravan (I think legally this means movable by road in up to 2 pieces - and of max dimensions that were pretty decent size!) for the entire forestry season, but not all year round.

As there is no legal definition of a forestry season - if you could prove you are working in the woodlands all year round and that it is your living, then I think you are ok to stay in your 'caravan' as long as you spend at least 1 night a year off site.

I believe this is how Ben Law started, and then after many years proving he was genuine, got limited PP.

Also a chap called Sherwood in a wood in Hereford went thru a similar process.

And some folk in Norfolk that I know of.

The important things are - you need to be making your living via the woodland you want to live in. And you need to be prepared to stay in caravan accommodation for many years (maybe upto 10 - although this is a guess) before you will even get a sniff of hope for PP for a permanent structure.

Cheers
Matt

londonercsecse · Post by **londonercsecse** » Mon Sep 02, 2013 11:09 am

Thx for the answers! Would like to live there 24/7. Read about an other way called smallholding, can live on site for 5 years in a caravan, while building a barn?

piglet · Post by **piglet** » Mon Sep 02, 2013 12:03 pm

Well if you want to go down that route, there is a book called Field to Farm that can give you some advice.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Field-Farm-Real ... ld+to+farm

*Edit*
I will just point out that it wont answer all your questions, but for those with little knowledge its a good starting point, if somewhat expensive.

uk-preppers.co.uk