4 minute read
Property-Howtofindaplot
Build your own home - how to find a plot
10 expert tips by self-build specialist Michael Holmes
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Finding a plot is the number one obstacle for people wanting to build their own home, according to a recent report from the National Custom and Self Build Association (NaCSBA). 1) Patchwork Plot: Assemble a site from smaller parcels of land such as ‘infill’ plots from the ends of two or three adjoining gardens. 2) Future Vision: Don’t discount a site you like just because the current planning permission is for something you don’t want to build. You can vary the existing permission or make a new application. 3) Team Building: Small sites for 2-5 houses are often easier to find than single plots - consider forming a self-build group with friends of family. 4) Land Databases: Try www.plotfinder.net 5) Register of Interest: Going through the planning records of previous applications for single dwellings in your chosen area may lead to a plot. 6) Grow Your Own: ‘Garden grabbing’ has become politically sensitive but it’s still a good route.
7) Widen The Net: Plots are harder to find than houses, so looking further afield to improve your chances. 8) Call My Agent: Work out which local estate agents specialise in land and development and stay in touch with them. Regular contact will ensure they know you’re serious. 9) Boots on the Ground: Ask in local shops, pubs, and on building sites if there are any plots for sale. Use maps and Google Earth to search for hidden potential. A ‘map search’ via HM Land Registry will reveal the owner’s details if the land is registered. 10) Brownfield Land: It takes imagination to see a disused industrial unit or a scrap yard as the site for a beautiful home, but ‘brownfield land’ can have potential - always take advice before buying. Michael Holmes will be speaking at the London Homebuilding & Renovating Show 30 Sep – 2 Oct ExCeL London E16 1XL Get 2 free tickets at: www.london.homebuildingshow.co.uk/pr-SussexLocal
Property of the month
65 John Ireland Way, Washington, RH20 4EP £450,000
Situated on the David Wilson development built circa 2015 and having access to walks to nearby Sandgate Park is this delightfully positioned two bedroom semi-detached home. To the ground floor is a cloakroom, sitting room with bay window and fireplace, good sized kitchen/breakfast room leading out in to the conservatory. First floor, there are two double bedrooms, and family bathroom. Outside, there is off-road parking leading to the garage with overhead loft storage. The rear garden is a delightful feature with several shrubs and flower borders, with pathways and patio seating areas. Fowlers: 01903 745844
Fifty years of electrical ser vices
Hamilton Cole, Pulborough
To h ave an est abli s h ed business for over 50 years is qu i te an ac compli shmen t particularly in the face of today's on-line giants. Hamilton Cole is a family-run business which prides itself on the service it gives to customers. Siblings Robin and Susan who have run the business since 2004, spoke to Sussex Local about their aims and successes. Face-to-face contact, said Susan, is of great importance to their customers. It is easy to purchase an electrical appliance online – all it takes is a click of a button, but there is no button to click to be able to touch it, study the controls or ask a knowledgeable person about how it actually works. It’s not just reassuring to speak to a human being, it is pleasurable! “We are proud of the friendly service given to all our customers, whether they are buying the latest TV or simply asking for a replacement watch battery.”
Susan was anxious to point out that Hamilton Cole have stayed abreast of market trends and the various changes relating to electrical standards. As well as the retail outlet they are able to offer a number of domestic electrical services. These include TV aerial/satellite installation, PAT Testing, repairs to TVs, microwaves and cleaners and most recently, the installation of Electrical Vehicle (EV) Charge Points. Robin and Susan told us, “There is a growing demand for installing EV charge points and our electrician Steve has been on a course so we are fully qualified to do this now.” High Streets are adapting and Robin and Susan hope that Hamilton Cole's commitment to excellent service will stand them in good stead. Hamilton Cole, Station Road, Pulborough, RH20 1AH. 01798 872237 www.hamiltoncole.co.uk
Residential property surveyor covering Storrington and Pulborough areas Level 2 – Home Condition Reports Level 3 – Building Surveys Excellent local knowledge Over 25 years’ experience in the property industry High quality reports Regulated by RICS
Contact us today
01243 552620 07740 337893 enquiries@matthewcattell.co.uk matthewcattell.co.uk
HAMILTON COLE
FAMILY RUN LOCAL RETAILER / SERVICE PROVIDER
SERVICE PROVIDER REPAIRS
Aerial/Satellite Custom Installer TV Wall Moun ng NICEIC Domes c Electrician PAT Tes ng Electrical Vehicle Charge Points Replacement Watch Ba eries Copying of VHS Tapes to DVD
RETAILER
Flat Panel TV’s DAB/FM Radios Domes c Appliances Freestanding/Built In Ligh ng and Hea ng TV, Audio, DVD Recorders Lamps Microwaves Vaccum Cleaners Cookers Hobs
