A PLOT of agricultural land near Cockermouth could be changed into a garden extension if the proposal gets planning permission.

Wayne Middleton, of Highfield in Greysouthen, recently bought the land next to his property and has applied to Cumberland Council to change its use.

The site covers a total area of 410 square metres and in his planning statement Mr Middleton said: "We have purchased a strip of land from the developer next door - Andrew McNeil, Highfield (Cumbria). It was previously agricultural land.

"He has full planning permission and is in the process of building a new residential property and developing the garden on his site.

"The piece of land we have purchased was also agricultural land which we would now like to incorporate into our garden and change the use accordingly.

"The developer will erect post and rail fencing to separate the properties, as agreed in the sale and purchase agreement and we intend to plant native hedging along the boundary as well as some fruit trees."

The site is currently meadow grass, it had previously ben agricultural land and is now not used for any purpose according to the statement.

Mr Middleton said: "It is effectively enclosed between the development next door and our existing garden / boundary."

The site is described as vacant and had previously been part of the neighbouring development site.

Mr Middleton said: "The land has been purchased from the developer who is currently building a house and garage to the east of our property.

"His site, which previously incorporated the land we have purchased, has full planning permission for a house, garage and garden.

"The land we have purchased is directly to the eastern side and rear of our existing garden. It is effectively enclosed between the development next door and our property.

"The strip of land to the side and north of our property, which we now own is currently grass with the boundaries on the north and east demarcated with dilapidated wire stock fencing.

"As part of the development next door, the developer is obliged to erect a 1.1 metre post and rail fence between our property and the new property to form the new boundary.

"Our intention is to plant a native hedgerow (beech) in front of this fence. This would mirror the existing beech hedge along our current eastern boundary.

"The area to the north of our existing boundary will be fenced with 1.5 metre vertical close board timber fence panels to match the current fencing on our west side boundary."

It is intended to create an open access point on the eastern boundary which will be created from the current garden, through the existing beech hedge and approximately 2m wide, to allow entry to the new extension.

Mr Middleton said: "The area of land to the rear of our existing garden will mostly remain as grass with some perennials planted to soften the edges and encourage wildlife eg lavender, primroses and penstemon.

"The area to the eastern side of our plot will have a native hedgerow planted along the post and rail fence."

He concludes: "The plan is to incorporate the additional piece of land into our existing garden and secure the boundaries with new fencing.

"The planting of the hedgerow is to afford us additional privacy in the future, as well as being sympathetic to the existing landscape."