[QUOTE] If it is in the middle of a village it is unlikely to be Green Belt but there could be other reasons that it cannot be built on. Have words with the local planning officer and importantly the planning member of the Parish Council. Also check for restrictive covenants on the deeds.[/QUOTE] I'd agree, all quite possible. Oh, and let us not forget that Church thing (I forget the proper name), where if it was once err, some sort of Church owned land, then the new landowner could find themselves quite legitimately being expected to pay tens of thousands towards the new Church roof. Or something like that; I forget the exact details. I think you can take out insurance against this sort of thing though. Of course, it *could* have been owned by some old dear who has finally shuffled off this mortal coil, or maybe there was wrangling over who actually owned it. Either case is somewhat unlikely though.