19/04/2005
New warning issued on sale of green belt land
People who are thinking about buying plots of land in the green belt for housing are being warned by Sevenoaks District Council that such sites are unlikely to be granted planning permission.
Very recently it came to the Council's attention that a new green belt site on the borders of Chipstead and Dunton Green is being offered for sale by property developers as individual plots. It is not clear from the sales particulars that restrictions have been imposed on the site.
The Council is currently examining all available options to ensure that the land is kept open and protected. It has served an 'article IV' direction, which severely restricts the activities that can normally be carried out on the land without planning permission such as putting up fences, gates or walls, or improving any existing road or private way.
Nationally all green belt sites are protected by planning policies, which aim to prevent urban development by keeping the land permanently open, and as a consequence, they are extremely unlikely to get planning permission to be developed.
Efforts are being made to inform potential buyers that the site is unlikely to get permission to be developed, including site notices.
Cllr Jill Davison, the Council's Cabinet member with responsibility for planning, says: "We are warning people who are thinking about purchasing green belt sites for housing that they are essentially buying agricultural land that is very unlikely to get planning permission to be developed. Sevenoaks District Council is committed to protecting the green belt and the character of the District. Should such sites be developed without permission, the Council will, as it has in the past, take all action necessary to protect them."
Anyone thinking about buying a plot of land who would like more information about its status and the possibility of developing it, should call the Council on 01732 227000 and ask for the Development Control section or e-mail planning.comments@sevenoaks.gov.uk
