Royal Borough cautions land purchasers to think carefully

Prospective land purchasers should do their homework before signing on the dotted line, the Royal Borough has advised.

The warning follows a sales push in Wraysbury in which neighbouring residents are being offered first refusal on plots of land on Manor Farm, commonly known as Thames Field and Coppice Drive. Both plots are Green Belt land and liable to flood.

In a letter from WES Ltd (Worby Estate Sales Ltd) dated June 10, residents have been given until June 17 to purchase, after which time the plots will be released for general sale.

The council has issued general advice to anyone considering buying undeveloped land:

· Seek your own independent legal advice on such issues as ownership of the land and payment of any deposit, and check with the council on 01628 683810 to determine what types of development you might be able to undertake

· If the land is in the Green Belt or at risk of flooding it is highly unlikely to receive planning permission for development

· Under trading standards legislation that came into force last month, it is an offence for a trader to engage in unfair or misleading commercial practices. If you have any doubts about any of the advertising material that helped persuade you to make a purchase, then contact the trading standards service on 01628 683802

· Consult your neighbours, friends, parish councillors and ward councillors.

Cllr Alison Knight, lead member for planning and housing, said: "I would advise any would-be purchaser to make careful checks before buying land – for example, can the ownership be confirmed, is it in the Green Belt or at risk of flooding."

Further information on flood plain and Green Belt areas can be found by visiting www.rbwm.gov.uk/web/pp_planning_policy_faq_22702.htm