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What can amenity land be used for? Amenity land can potentially be used for a range of recreational, leisure and rural purposes, depending on the characteristics of the land, its existing use, planning position, legal title and any restrictions affecting it. Possible uses can include private recreation, grazing, keeping horses, woodland management, gardening, orchards and other outdoor activities. However, buying land does not automatically give you the right to change its use or develop it.
Amenity land is a broad description rather than a single planning category. Two parcels described as amenity land can be very different in size, location, condition and legal position.
If you are considering buying amenity land, the most important question is not simply what the land is called, but what you want to use it for and whether that use is actually permitted.
What Is Amenity Land?
Amenity land generally describes land that has value for recreational, environmental, landscape or other non-agricultural purposes.
It can include a wide variety of land, such as:
- Grassland and paddocks
- Woodland
- Orchards
- Private recreational land
- Open countryside
- Land adjoining residential property
- Land used for leisure or outdoor activities
The potential use of each parcel needs to be considered individually. The description used in an estate agent’s particulars does not by itself establish what planning or legal rights you have.
What Can Amenity Land Be Used For?
Depending on the individual site, amenity land can have a number of potential uses. Some uses may be possible without a planning application, while others may require planning permission or other consents.
Private Recreation
One of the simplest reasons for owning amenity land is to have additional private outdoor space.
This might include walking, enjoying the countryside, spending time outdoors or using the land as a private recreational area.
The extent to which particular recreational activities are permitted will depend on the circumstances of the land and any restrictions affecting it.
Grazing Animals
Some amenity land may be suitable for grazing animals, particularly where it consists of grassland or paddocks.
Before using land for grazing, consider the quality of the grass, fencing, water supply, access, drainage and the suitability of the land for the animals involved.
You should also check whether there are restrictions on agricultural or grazing use.
Keeping Horses
Amenity land may sometimes be suitable for horses where the physical characteristics and legal position allow it.
Horse owners may need to consider fencing, water, access, drainage, grazing, shelter and whether any proposed equestrian facilities require planning permission.
If you are specifically looking for land for horses, see our guides to how much land you may need for horses and equestrian land.
Woodland and Nature
Woodland can provide recreational and environmental amenity value. Owners may use woodland for walking, conservation, woodland management and enjoying the natural environment.
However, woodland can also be subject to specific environmental, legal and planning considerations. Trees may be protected and particular activities may require permission or professional advice.
Explore our woodland land category if this is the type of property you are looking for.
Orchards and Growing
Some amenity land may be suitable for planting or maintaining an orchard, garden or other outdoor growing area.
Suitability will depend on factors such as soil, drainage, sunlight, water availability, access and the existing use and restrictions affecting the land.
Outdoor Leisure Activities
Some parcels may be suitable for private outdoor leisure activities, depending on the nature and intensity of the use.
However, a distinction needs to be made between occasional private enjoyment and a commercial leisure business. Introducing customers, buildings, parking or regular commercial activity can create additional planning and other requirements.
Land that can be enjoyed privately may not automatically be suitable for running a business from. If your plans involve paying customers, structures, events, parking or regular commercial activity, check the planning position before buying.
Can Amenity Land Be Used for Agriculture?
Some land described as amenity land may be capable of being used for grazing or other rural purposes, but the description itself does not determine the permitted use.
If agricultural use is important to you, check the current lawful use of the land and whether there are any restrictions that could affect your plans.
The condition of the land should also be assessed. Grassland that looks suitable for grazing may have limitations relating to drainage, soil, access, water or seasonal conditions.
Can You Use Amenity Land for Horses?
Potentially, but it depends on the land and your intended use.
Keeping horses involves more than simply having enough grass. You may need to consider:
- Suitable grazing
- Secure fencing
- Reliable water
- Vehicle and trailer access
- Drainage and ground conditions
- Shelter
- Storage
- Any proposed stable or other structures
If you intend to install structures or significantly change the use of the land, establish whether planning permission or another consent is required.
Can You Build on Amenity Land?
Not simply because you own it.
Buying amenity land does not automatically create a right to build a house, cabin, stable, commercial building or other structure.
Whether development is possible depends on the individual site, planning policies, existing use, planning history, constraints and the proposal being considered.
If future development is one of the reasons you are considering a particular parcel, obtain appropriate planning advice before assuming that the land has development potential.
Can You Put a Mobile Home on Amenity Land?
A mobile home or caravan is not automatically permitted simply because it can be physically placed on the land.
The circumstances in which caravans or mobile homes can be stationed and occupied are subject to planning and other legal considerations.
If residential occupation is part of your plans, you should establish the planning position before purchasing the land rather than relying on the fact that it is described as amenity land.
Can You Build a Shed or Other Structure?
Some small structures may benefit from permitted development rights or other exemptions in particular circumstances, while others may require planning permission.
The answer can depend on the type of structure, its size, location, intended use and the planning status of the land.
If a structure is important to your intended use, check the position before buying rather than assuming that it will be permitted.
Can Amenity Land Be Used for a Business?
Possibly, but commercial use needs to be considered separately from private recreational use.
Examples of uses that could require additional planning consideration include:
- Commercial equestrian activities
- Paid recreational activities
- Events
- Tourism or leisure businesses
- Storage
- Commercial parking
- Outdoor businesses
Introducing regular customers, employees, buildings, vehicle movements or other commercial activity can change the planning circumstances significantly.
If you are considering buying land for a business, see our guide to buying land for commercial development.
What Determines How You Can Use Amenity Land?
Several different factors can affect what you can do with a parcel of land.
The lawful use of the land, planning history, local planning policies and any permissions or conditions.
Covenants, easements and other legal matters affecting the land.
Access, ground conditions, drainage, topography, water and the condition of the land.
Trees, habitats, protected areas, watercourses and other environmental considerations.
The surrounding area, nearby properties, roads and the relationship with existing development.
What Should You Check Before Buying Amenity Land?
If you are buying land for a particular purpose, carry out appropriate due diligence before committing to the purchase.
Check the Legal Title
Review the title and identify rights of way, easements, covenants and other restrictions.
Check Access
Establish both the physical and legal access to the land. Make sure it is suitable for the vehicles and equipment you will need.
Check the Boundaries
Inspect fences, hedges, walls and other boundary features and compare them with the available title information where appropriate.
Check Water and Drainage
Establish whether there is a reliable water supply and consider how the land performs during wet weather.
Check Restrictions
Find out whether covenants, easements, planning conditions or other restrictions affect the use of the land.
Check Planning
If you want to change the use, add structures or introduce commercial activity, establish what planning permissions or other consents may be required.
Visit the Land
A site visit can reveal issues that are difficult to identify from an online listing, including access problems, drainage, neighbouring uses, boundary condition and the general character of the land.
Does the Word “Amenity” Mean the Land Has Development Potential?
No.
The term amenity land should not be treated as an indication that planning permission will be granted for development.
If a parcel has potential for development, that should be assessed using the relevant planning evidence rather than inferred from the way the land is marketed.
This is particularly important if the asking price reflects an expectation of future development or alternative use.
How Much Does Amenity Land Cost?
Amenity land can vary substantially in value because parcels differ greatly in location, size, access, quality, privacy and potential use.
Factors that can affect the price include:
- Location
- Acreage
- Access
- Land quality
- Privacy and outlook
- Proximity to residential property
- Water and other facilities
- Woodland or natural features
- Planning position
- Legal restrictions
- Potential alternative uses
As with other land purchases, the price should be considered alongside the characteristics and limitations of the individual parcel.
How to Find Amenity Land That Suits Your Requirements
If you know exactly what you want, it can help to define your requirements before starting your search.
Consider:
- Where you want to buy
- Minimum and maximum acreage
- Your intended use
- Your budget
- Required access
- Whether water is essential
- Whether fencing is required
- Whether you need proximity to an existing property
- Any planning requirements
You can then search specialist land agents, property portals, auctions and private opportunities with a clearer idea of what will and will not work for you.
Tell Us What Land You’re Looking For
If you cannot find the right amenity land through the current listings, you can tell Your Landstore what you are looking for.
Our buyer registration allows you to specify your requirements, including the type of land and location you are interested in. Your requirements are then recorded in our buyer database.
Where there is a suitable match, you can receive an email alert from the day the land is listed, giving you the opportunity to consider it early.
Other Types of Land You May Want to Buy
Amenity land overlaps with several other types of rural and specialist land. Depending on your intended use, you may also want to explore:
- Equestrian land for horses and equestrian use
- Woodland for woodland and recreational use
- Smallholdings for mixed rural living and land use
- Farms and larger agricultural holdings
- Land for sale across the UK
Frequently Asked Questions
What can amenity land be used for?
Amenity land can potentially be used for recreation, private outdoor space, grazing, keeping horses, woodland management, orchards and other rural or leisure purposes, depending on the land’s planning and legal position.
Can I keep horses on amenity land?
Some amenity land may be suitable for horses, but you should check the land’s condition, fencing, water, access and any planning or legal restrictions before buying.
Can I build on amenity land?
Not automatically. Development may require planning permission and will depend on the individual site’s planning circumstances, policies and constraints.
Can I use amenity land for a business?
Potentially, but commercial use can involve different planning considerations from private recreational use. If your plans involve customers, buildings, events, parking or regular commercial activity, check the planning position first.
Does amenity land have development potential?
The description “amenity land” does not establish development potential. Any potential for development should be assessed using the site’s planning circumstances and appropriate professional advice.
Can I register my requirements for amenity land?
Yes. You can register your land requirements with Your Landstore, including your preferred location and land type. Where there is a suitable match, you can receive an email alert when relevant land is listed.
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