Concern over village land being sold for 'isolation'

Thakeham Parish Council has issued a statement urging potential buyers to be cautious if they are thinking about buying a plot at Dukes Hill in the village.

A council spokesman said: “We have an ongoing problem with people buying small sites on land designated for agricultural use and then - whether in ignorance of planning rules, or just hoping to get away with it - developing them in ways that are not permitted, including installing mobile homes and commercial facilities.

“It’s an investment that the buyer usually ends up regretting, as the response of the Parish Council and HDC Planning Compliance team is to pursue planning enforcement action under planning rules protecting the countryside, until the land is restored to its permitted use and appearance.”

Plots of land of 0.1 to 0.3 acres at Dukes Hill have been advertised for sale from £10,000 by Exclusive Property Sales. In adverts for the land, they describe the site as being suitable for ‘amenity& weekend use - perfect for camper vans and mobile homes', and states that you can 'isolate yourself for up to 28 nights per year with no need for planning permission'.

But Thakeham Parish council advised potential buyers to beware, and check the planning status carefully with the seller and planning authority before taking steps to make a purchase.

The spokesman added: “The agricultural-use status of this land (like most other countryside locations) does not permit permanent structures, close-boarded fencing or commercial activities and storage. This particular plot is also subject to a specific planning order to the same effect.”

The council has also alerted Trading Standards to the problem.

A spokesman for West Sussex County Council said: "West Sussex Trading Standards are looking into this matter and enquiries are still ongoing.”

Exclusive Property Sales was approached for comment by the County Times on three separate occasions, but it has not 'not provided a comment for publication.