What can I do with an Acre?

[BrightJadeTiger]

I looking for ideas.
We have an acre of garden land to the side of our house, which is unused. I'd really like some clever mumsnetters to suggest some money making ideas to put it use, everything and anything will be considered!
We have potentially 6k we could spend developing it in to something, so not enough to build on it but enough to potentially put storage/garage on it. We live a 3min walk from a train station and 3min drive from the M1 if that helps.

Thank you all in advance

I agree that people don't know how small an acre is.

Would you be likely to get permission for commercial use? I know it varies by area but IME it's generally a right pain - you can't just decide to make something into an allotment or a dog-walking field, let alone build on garden land.

I did look at allotments awhile back but they rent for about £6 a year!

Unfortunately, an acre probably isn't big enough. Also the licensing and change of use is a nightmare. I tried buying a field for dog training and the red tape and expense to get planning permission were prohibitive. It might be easier as your field is small though.

https://britishdogfields.com/making-a-planning-application-for-a-secure-dog-field/

All of these things will require planning permission.
Anything that results in people visiting the sure, increased traffic/parking requirements, increased noise/disturbance, loss of privacy for neighbours etc is unlikely to be viewed favourably.

CL or CS campsite
You can have up to 5 caravans/motorhomes. The camping abd caravans club CS or caravan and motorhome club CL would help you obtain your licence. I dont think you need planning.

Orchard

You need planning permission

No you don't. The 2 clubs mentioned will get you exemptions from PP if you run a CS or CL.

Or just keep some chickens and a goat.

If the land is currently garden land ie residential use, then anything that isn't for purposes incidental to the use of the dwelling will require PP.

Have you actually looked into what a CS or CL is?

There are several where I live, which is really pretty rural. One at the end of my lane, £15 an hour. Minimal maintenance once set up. V.high fencing. A wooden shelter with seats in it. Some tyres, ramps etc for the dogs. Paddling pool in summer.

I hadn't even thought about this (glad I posted here saving myself hours of research again thank you) but that's such a shame to need planning or a few ramps! I'll look at the link you sent still though

Are you a qualified planner?

Full PP would be required for a change of use.
Prior approval would be required for a temporary use as a campsite, which in itself is quite a complicated procedure.

Well that's answered that question! 10k for a piece of paper saying I'm allowed and I'm not even sure it would do well being smaller than most! I'd be better putting it in a high interest ISA and letting the kids play footy on the garden at the weekends!

"A simple and straightforward planning application can cost around £4-5k. This is now rare for a number of reasons but we always advise people to allocate £10-15K for their application."

You'd also need to factor insurance and potentially income tax on any side hustle. Unfortunately, it would probably take quite a few years to break even, let alone see a return on your investment.