Familiarise yourself with the process, what information is required and how long it takes
If you have a plot of land or a property you want to knock down and replace, planning permission is required before you can begin any work. The planning system is discretionary – there is no fixed set of rules that determines whether consent will be granted or refused. But it can be useful to look at what has been built in the local area as a guide to what might be acceptable on your chosen site.
‘As part of the Housing and Planning Act 2016, local authorities are required to help find land for those who have an interest in building a home,’ says Jennifer Smith, director of planning and heritage consultancy Smith Jenkins (smithjenkins.co.uk). ‘It gives greater weight to the requirement to identify self-build plots in the local area. Councils must maintain a self-build register for those who wish to build their own homes. The details should be on your council’s website.’
Getting the green light from a local authority to build a house or make significant changes to your existing home will depend on whether any necessary planning approval is granted. To stand the best chance of a successful outcome, you’ll need the benefit of knowledgeable advice well in advance of submitting your application.
First things first
Before you apply, some crucial work must take place. This involves assessing the site, local policies, the plot history and any constraints, and obtaining technical reports, if needed, before embarking on a design.
Your local council’s website is a good starting point for some of this information. Use it to research the history of the site and to find out whether there are any current or lapsed planning applications. It should also show local maps and policy documents, which will detail whether the plot is in a settlement, greenbelt or conservation area. Some councils’ websites are better than others, and information such as tree preservation orders may have to be sought in writing or via a telephone call.
Designing a house isn’t just about how many rooms you want – you also need to think about the context of the plot, as a building that is sympathetic to the surrounding area is more likely to gain permission. Consider the street setting and whether your
