Hi Roger



I like the idea of this petition in principle, but do you think it could be
open to abuse? I wonder if something like this ever went ahead, whether
there would be limitations to the type of building that was allowed to be
built on the land, i.e. eco, or built for specified occupancy etc? Also I
expect it would differ from planning dept to planning dept. We are in the
New Forest here, but border East Dorset, trying to obtain planning from NFDC
is blooming difficult, but much much easier in East Dorset. Anyway, just my
2p worth!!!



Would you like me to forward this to the Smallholding and Self Sufficiency
list too?



Regards

Karen





From: smallholding@... [mailto:smallholding@...]
On Behalf Of Pat Walker
Sent: 06 August 2007 21:01
To: smallholding@...
Subject: [SmallHolding] E-petition to allow building on agricultural land



I have started a petition to ask the Prime Minister to consider allowing the
building of a private house on agricultural land under certain
circumstances.
The petition reads:
We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to allow building of private
dwellings on agricultural land under the following circumstances:.
That the landowner is committed to using the land for the purpose of a small
farming activity such as the keeping of rare breed poultry or livestock to
conserve and maintain the breed. Or pursue a self-sufficient lifestyle by
growing their own food and raise livestock for their own consumption. Or
conservation of the countryside by maintaining an environment for native
wildlife and plants/trees and include such traditional activities such as
dry-stone walling, hedge laying, coppicing etc. Also that the
development/activities on the land do not necessarily constitute a
'business' and do not have to raise an income to support and sustain the
residence as the current legislation requires. The following benefits would
result from smallholders being allowed to build a residence on their
agricultural holding: 1)Existing property would be available for sale
bringing more much needed houses on to the market. 2)Environmental
improvements as less car journeys would be made between home and
agricultural holding. 3)Improvement in animal welfare as livestock keepers
would be on hand 24 hours a day to tend to their animals, especially at such
times as lambing/calving season etc.

If you agree with my petition please visit the following website and sign
up:
http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/Rural-dwellings/

Cheers

Roger

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