23 February 2012People who are considering buying plots of land in the Green Belt for housing are being warned by Sevenoaks District Council that such sites are very unlikely to be granted planning permission.
The Council is aware that a number of large sites in the District have been and are still being offered for sale in individual plots. The sites are on the borders of Chipstead, Dunton Green, Hextable and Ash.
The Council has recently received new enquiries from the public about the site in Ash, which has been extended in size.
To ensure that the land is protected the Council has served 'Article 4' Directions on all the sites restricting the activities that can normally be carried out 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.
The Council recently updated its planning policies. The evidence collected confirms that the District can meet its housing requirements without releasing Green Belt land which will continue to be protected.
Cllr Gary Williamson, the Council’s Cabinet member with responsibility for planning, says: "We're concerned about those unsuspecting people who buy these plots of land thinking they could be developed for housing. These Green Belt sites are protected and any proposal to develop them is extremely unlikely to be granted planning permission."
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 Duty Planner or e-mail planning.information@sevenoaks.gov.uk.
