A family abode

PLOT WATCH: Mike Dade investigates

Mark and Theresa Green are keen to build a new home on the same site as an equestrian facility they recently purchased – but can they obtain planning permission? Mike Dade investigates

WHO Mark and Theresa Green

WHAT The Greens want to build a four-bedroom dwelling on a plot they recently purchased. But, due to the site’s rural position, gaining planning consent could be a tricky prospect. Mike Dade analyses the viability of their scheme.

WHERE Wiltshire

Mark and Theresa Green recently purchased an equestrian facility in an area of countryside about five miles from the nearest town. It’s a fantastic location and though they haven’t bought it specifically as a building plot, they’d love to create a four-bedroom family home and live on the site. Could this be possible, given the rural location? If so, what’s the best way for the Greens to go about it?

The site

The property extends to just under six acres (two hectares) of gently sloping pasture land, bordered on one side by a narrow country lane. It’s about a mile from two very small villages. There’s access off the lane, which leads to a surfaced parking area, a stable block with four stalls and a timber frame, open-fronted barn.

Between the two buildings is a paved yard leading to a large area that’s used to train horses. The land is fenced into four paddocks, and the whole property makes an excellent small-scale equestrian facility.