Thank you for the guidance, SS. The trick would be to know the worst case (i.e. be prepared for the worst) and then do exactly as you suggest (grovel so it doesn't happen). I've been involved with planning, planning committees and the uner the table crookery that goes on, so being prepared for the worst is a good idea IMHO.
This kind of thing is a long term strategy, for years ahead. One can't just take a drive and, hey, here's a nice field! It could take years of looking to find one (South East). Especially if one is doing it when your local airport has just shut, in which case a whole load of people (many far wealthier and far better connected than myself) will be trying the same thing.
I am sure it's all been done before...
Two fun ideas to chuck in: an underground hangar, and an NDB & DME activated by a text message
Naturally one would have a GPS approach also.