The subdivision of green belt land into small plots for sale as future development opportunities is not a new phenomenon having been sighted as early as 2002 *.

SCAM was formed when plot sites were established in Majors Green, Worcestershire in around May 2004 - the first time plot sales had been seen in the West Midlands area.

Given the size of our green belt, new plot sites are likely to continue to be established – vigilance is our best defence.

So far, there have been no reports of any plot sold this way subsequently being developed and this is highly unlikely to happen any time soon – even if plot sales have already happened in your area, you do have time to act.

Local and national government are both concerned about rural plot sales and the matter has been debated in the House of Commons as recently as November 2005.

The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has issued guidance to local authorites.

Things you can do

• Make yourself familiar with this document and be sure you know contact names in your local authority so that this guidance can be implemented as soon as possible after a new plot site has been established.
  
  
• In particular, press quickly for an article 4(1) direction which will remove whatever small planning rights already exist for the land so that, for example, the erection of fences or stationing of caravans is prohibited. This will also limit the ability of the owners of the land to create access. This is important because where access is created it is often done by cutting holes in fences or hedges and these openings are not subsequently closed with gates making them very attractive to fly tippers and other abusers.
  
  
• Keep a supply of literature such as reprints of press articles and any guidance issued by government bodies. Use this when talking to any prospective plot purchasers you may meet.
  
  
• Refer prospective plot purchasers and any other interested persons to this web site. Consider posting banners in prominent locations adjacent to plot sites displaying this web site's address.
  
  
• Do not worry. No development of any of these sites is imminent and it is unlikely that any local authority will want to become the first to permit it. Talk to your local councillors about this whenever opportunities present themselves to keep the issue in the forefront of their minds.
  
  
• Do look out for any notice of planning applications which must be posted in the vicinity of any sites which are the subject of planning applications.
  
  
• Tell us about your experiences. If we all share, we can all benefit.

* so far as SCAM is aware – if you know different please tell us