Land usage question . How do I find out if land is agricultural/ equestrian etc

[Buttons232]

Over the weekend I’ve found a plot of land which I would like to put a couple of horses on. In the flesh it’s perfect for us but I can’t work out what the land is registered as ( ie agricultural, equestrian, amenity etc) The details say it has opportunities for equestrian, amenity or agricultural use. But presumably this means potential rather than actual. I’ve looked at the title deeds and can’t find anything specific within them. It’s being grazed by sheep at the moment and I suspect it’s agricultural which would scupper the horse dream 😂 As I’m massively impatient and impetuous is there anyway I can find this out before tomorrow when the agents are open ? 😂

If it is agricultural what are the chances of getting change of use to equestrian. It’s 6.5 acres and would be personal use for 2 possibly 3 horses , not a livery yard or anything. It has road frontage which is next to mains water but isn’t connected to mains. It has a stream but no shelter. I’d ideally like to add a stable, connect to the mains water supply and add a small cross country riding area/ jumps etc. I realise i would need planning consent for the above. Is getting equestrian usage likely to be a formality or much more risky?

What country are you in OP? It's impossible to answer without knowing!

If it's Scotland the answer is https://www.crofts.ros.gov.uk/register/search for the crofting register.

However I suspect since you haven't specified a country that you are in England, since it is usually only English people who forget that there are other countries in the UK. I can't help with English land use websites I'm afraid, but hopefully someone will be along soon.

You will need to look at the local plan to see what the land is allocated for.

Whereabouts is the land in question?

Ring whoever is selling it and ask?

Ring whoever is selling it and ask?

Sorry. It’s West Yorkshire, Bradford Area.

The Local Plan won't show the authorised use for individual plots of land.
You will need to search the planning records on the Council website - it's usually possible to do a map search if the land hasn't got a precise address.
It will depend when n the Council as to how far back their in line records go. If there is no recent planning history it would be fair to assume the authorised use is agriculture.

Thank you. That’s really helpful. No I can’t find it on the local plan. There’s no planning applications relating to the land. I’m assuming from that that it’s agricultural . Seems to be being marketed at equestrian value though so a bit of a gamble. A local-ish farmer told me they didn’t know but that no one’s bothered one way or another around there. That’s a bit woolly for my liking though! Would the council tell me if I rang them or would that be something I’d have to determine through the solicitors ?

I suspect the Council would charge for the info if they provide that sort of service.
It's effectively the info that would be provided via a search carried out when purchasing land/property for which there is definitely a charge.

Looking at the local plan will identify what policies any proposed development will be assessed against though if you're looking at development potential. As will a call to the planning department if you're seriously interested.