So, you’ve taken the leap and bought a plot of land. Congratulations! Whether you’re planning to build your dream home, start a smallholding, or just hold onto it as an investment, there’s a lot to consider before you can get started. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the next steps after buying land.
Mark Out Your Plot
The first thing you’ll want to do is clearly define the boundaries of your land. While your deeds or land registry documents should outline this, physically marking it out ensures you—and anyone else nearby—know exactly where your plot begins and ends.
- Get a surveyor involved: If there’s any ambiguity about boundaries, hiring a professional land surveyor is a smart move. This is especially important if neighbouring plots or shared access routes are involved.
- Temporary markers: Wooden stakes or tape can help you visualise the area while you plan longer-term measures like fencing.
Install Fences or Boundaries
Securing your land is an important early step, not only for privacy but also to prevent any encroachments or misunderstandings with neighbours.
- Legal requirements: Check your deeds or title plan to confirm whether any specific boundary types are required. In some cases, neighbours might share responsibility for maintaining a fence.
- Planning permission: Most fences under two metres (or one metre next to a road) won’t need planning permission, but always double-check with your local council.
Get to Know Your Neighbours
Building good relationships with nearby landowners or residents can save you a lot of hassle down the line. They may be able to provide useful insights about the area, such as local planning trends or historical quirks of the land.
- Introduce yourself: A simple chat can establish a friendly rapport.
- Discuss shared responsibilities: If there’s a shared driveway, access gate, or hedge, now’s the time to work out how maintenance or costs will be handled.
Check Your Access
Access is a crucial consideration, especially if you plan to develop the land. Make sure you have the right of way to get onto your plot and that it’s practical for vehicles and machinery.
- Easements: If access involves crossing someone else’s land, check your title deeds for an easement or right of way.
- Improving access: Any plans to create or improve a driveway may require planning permission, particularly if it connects to a main road.
Contact the Local Council
If you’re thinking about building on the plot, the council will be your first port of call. In the UK, obtaining planning permission is a must for most types of development.
- Planning permission: Start by checking if the plot already has planning consent. If not, you’ll need to submit an application. The Planning Portal is a great resource for guidance on this.
- Local plans: Councils often have development plans that outline what’s permissible in different areas. Familiarising yourself with these can help you gauge the likelihood of success for your plans.
- Permitted development: For smaller projects like sheds or temporary structures, you might not need full planning permission, but it’s worth double-checking.
Understand Your Land’s Potential
Before making any major decisions, it’s wise to assess the land’s suitability for your intended purpose.
- Site surveys: Depending on your goals, you might need surveys to evaluate soil quality, flood risk, or suitability for foundations.
- Utilities: If the land isn’t connected to mains water, electricity, or sewage, factor in the costs and logistics of installing these services.
- Environmental considerations: Is the land part of a conservation area or subject to any restrictions, such as tree preservation orders? This could affect your plans.
Plan for the Future
Now that you’ve got the basics sorted, it’s time to start thinking long-term.
- Development plans: If you’re building a home, research local builders, architects, and contractors who specialise in projects of your scale.
- Land use: If you’re considering agricultural or commercial use, check any restrictions and apply for the necessary licences or permissions.
- Regular maintenance: Keeping your land tidy not only prevents it from becoming overgrown but also deters trespassers or fly-tippers.
Owning a plot of land is an exciting opportunity, but it comes with its share of responsibilities. By taking the time to mark out your boundaries, establish good relationships, and understand local regulations, you’ll set yourself up for success—whatever your plans for the land may be.
Need more tailored advice? The Planning Portal or your local council’s website is a great place to start. Happy planning!
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