Can Carl and Amy Briant get planning permission for a knock-down-andrebuild or a conversion project in the idyllic Kent countryside? Mike Dade looks at the viability of their proposed scheme and how to move forward

Mike Dade

PLOT WATCH: Mike Dade investigates

WHO Carl and Amy Briant

WHAT The couple want to create a new home on a rural plot with countryside views. They’ve seen a ruined farmyard, complete with what looks like a very small former cottage. Will they be able to get the planning permission to either knock down and rebuild or convert it?

WHERE Kent

Carl and Amy Briant are looking for a rural plot with countryside views. They recognise that sites with such a description are few and far between and, while replacing an existing house could provide the a setting they’d like, this can be an expensive option. A barn conversion would be ideal, but again, opportunities are scarce in the south east. Recently, when out on a country walk, the couple noticed a ruined farmyard, complete with what looks like a tiny former cottage. The situation and views are fantastic. Could this be a realistic option for them?

The site

The proposed plot is located about a mile from a small village, which has a pub, shop and school. It’s positioned about 75m away from a country lane in the middle of a large field. There’s a public footpath passing close by and a gateway a little further up the lane, which looks like it might once have been the access route. There are a few mature trees to one side of the site, which is situated at the top of a gentle hill with open views to both the east and south of wooded, rolling countryside. The plot has various brick walls and a small structure, and measures about 20m x 17m. Some of the walls look like they might have been part of a building and others part of the surroundings of a walled farmyard.