GRAND BUILD Advice on how

Initially pushing for a new-build that nestled inconspicuously into the landscape, the local authority eventually granted permission for this Paragraph 55 home of exceptional quality to be built in Huxham, Devon

self-build plots in the local area. Councils are required to maintain a self-build register for those who wish to build their own homes. The details should be available on your local council’s website.’

Pre-application checklist

Before a planning application is submitted 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 prep work. Use it to research the history of the site and to find out whether there are any current or lapsed applications. It should also show local maps and policy documents, which will detail whether the site 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 the property will be visible from the road. It’s also important to make sure that the house fits in with the scale of its neighbours. It’s easier to retain existing trees on a site than to plant new ones, and this should be a consideration in assessing where you might want to put a new building on your plot.

Planning legislation affects the possible size, orientation, shape and even the materials you use to construct your home. Restrictions are greater if you’re in a conservation area or close to a listed building. This is where the local council’s development plan and its other planning guidance will give you an idea of what is likely to be allowed. Some councils provide residential design guides, which may assist you.

It is a good idea to arrange a meeting with the planning office to discuss your ideas. They will let you know if there are any concerns about whether the project conforms to the legislation. This could save time, as you won’t waste hours on what could be deemed an inappropriate scheme. Another way to help things run smoothly is to liaise with your

‘Councils are required to maintain a self-build register for those who wish to build their own homes’

SEE US AT GR AND DESIGNS LIVE

5–9 OCTOBER, NEC STAND B917

E C O N O M I E S O F S C A LE

Architectural design practice ArchiWildish on the benefits of thinking big

If you think modern steel-frame buildings have to be square boxes, think again. Using steel doesn’t limit the shape, layout or character of a new-build home – and it may save money and construction time.

The frame can be erected quickly on site and teamed with highly insulated composite panels, making the structure weatherproof faster than with traditional masonry. The insulated panels contribute to a highly energy-efficient building and, when used alongside heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) temperature and climate control, substantially limit the home’s carbon footprint and energy consumption over its lifespan. Plus, during the construction, different trades can work together inside while the cladding is being added outside.

As well as cost-effectiveness, there are other benefits to building with a steel frame. You could have a big open-plan living space without the need for masonry supports or subdividing the area. This allows the space to be readily adaptable, which can be particularly useful as your requirements change over time.

ArchiWildish creates substantial bespoke houses that are economical and energy-efficient. All its projects are designed using the latest 3D modelling software. This provides you and your local authority with an informative visual presentation of the design, helping identify potential planning and construction issues quickly and efficiently.

Visit stand B917 of Grand Designs Live at the Birmingham NEC from 5-9 October to see for yourself.

TOP An Edwardian-inspired exterior belies the modern steel structure of this family home in Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire ABOVE Contractors put up the bespoke frame for the six-bedroom house

● For more information, call 0 1 789 576 037 or visit a r c h i w i l d i s h . c o . u k

A cemetery lodge in Fulham, west London, had planning permission for conversion into a house before Grand Designer Justin Maxwell Stuart bought it

PHOTOGR APHY JEFFERSON SMITH, MARK BOLTON neighbours, as local support could boost your application’s chance of success.

An initial assessment

Pre-application is paperwork submitted to the local council before a planning application and it provides a limited amount of information compared a full planning application. This is a good way to obtain an initial view as to what you may or may not be allowed to build. It can f lag up problems and reduce the risk of your application being rejected, potentially saving you time and money.

Precision is crucial

The planning process, from the point at which an application is submitted, is broadly similar wherever you live in the UK, with details first checked against national and local requirements to make sure they contain the necessary information. Simple errors, including not having a scale or north point on the plan, may invalidate an application.

Not preparing detailed reports such as ecology surveys cuts costs, but it could cause delays as such information is usually required, especially with rural or undeveloped sites. Councils should have a list of validation requirements on their websites. Use them to check what you need to submit when making your formal application.

Pre-application is a good way to obtain an initial view as to what you may or may not be allowed to build

Awaiting a decision

It could take eight weeks or more for the council to make a decision on a planning application after it has been validated. In some instances an application may be called before a planning committee, which will be held in public.

A presentation will be made and any objections heard before the members vote on whether or not to grant permission. If refused, an appeal can be made within a certain timeframe to the planning inspectorate.

Existing approval

A relatively straightforward ways to self-build is to buy a site with planning consent already in place. If the approval is still current, permission should be achievable within the context of the original plans.

You won’t necessarily need to submit a new application if you want to make minor changes to an approved plan, but any big changes will require a new application. Should you be aiming to create a distinctive home or if the application has lapsed, this may not be quite so simple.