Latest articles on self build and planning permission

Rural Land for Sale England: The Ultimate Guide to Finding and Buying Self-Build Plots in the Countryside

Rural Land for Sale England – A Complete Guide to Finding and Buying Self-Build Plots in the Countryside Estimated reading time: 10 minutes Key Takeaways Rural England offers increasing opportunities for self-build projects in picturesque settings. Understanding the self-build movement is crucial for aspiring builders. Finding suitable land involves multiple strategies, including registering with local
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Planning Permission Countryside Home: A Comprehensive Guide to Building in Open Countryside England

Planning Permission Countryside Home: What You Need to Know Before Building in Open Countryside (England) Estimated reading time: 12 minutes Key Takeaways Building a home in the English countryside requires careful navigation of stricter planning permissions compared to urban areas. Understanding settlement boundaries and the legal framework is crucial for successful planning applications. Paragraph 84e
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How to Get Planning Permission on Land: Your Step-by-Step Guide for England and Wales

How to Get Planning Permission on Land: Your Step-by-Step Guide for England and Wales Estimated reading time: 10 minutes Key Takeaways Understanding planning permission is crucial for land development in England and Wales. Approximately 75% of planning permissions are approved with proper application. Knowing when you need planning permission and preparing a solid application boosts
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How to write a brief for your architect

We believe great buildings can only come from a great brief! If you are planning a self-build project and you are considering hiring an architect to help you realise your dream home, it is going to be important to getting the briefing process right. At Thomas Studio we have prepared a FREE guide to help
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How to build a Paragraph-84(e) home in the open countryside

An in-depth guide to Paragraph-84(e) Are you thinking about building a Paragraph-84(e) home in the open countryside? If you are thinking about how to build a paragraph-84(e) home in the open countryside, or you are struggling to get through the planning system or appeal, we have set out below an in-depth guide. We focus on
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Self build house in open countryside

About the project This dream self build house in open countryside is a triumph, as planning laws make it all but impossible to gain approval. However, the ‘all-but impossible’ – is at the cutting edge of the self build opportunity, and this self build project is a result of exemption clauses in planning law, which
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Can I get planning permission in my garden?

10 Tips How to Get Planning Permission in Your Garden – Expert Guide 2025 Architect Garry Thomas sets out his 10 top tips for how to get planning permission in your garden, based on over 15 years of successful garden development projects across the UK. Before applying for planning consent for a house in your
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SME Builder Urban Infill: Profitable, Repeatable Strategies for Small City Plots

SME Builder Urban Infill: Profitable, Repeatable Strategies for Small City Plots Estimated reading time: 8 minutes Key Takeaways Lower Infrastructure Costs: SME builders can save by using pre-existing utilities. Higher Rent and Sales Prices: Urban infill locations offer increased value. High Demand for Compact Homes: Affordable housing is a growing market. Local Knowledge and Flexibility:
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Backland Home for Long Term Care: Planning, Design, and Financial Strategies for Ageing in Place

Backland Home for Long Term Care: Planning, Design & Financial Strategies for Ageing in Place Estimated Reading Time: 7 minutes Key Takeaways Backland homes provide privacy and independence for elderly family members. Planning effectively for ageing in place can enhance wellbeing and reduce costs. Financial strategies can unlock property value while keeping families together. Care
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Transforming Dreams: A Self-Build Architect’s Journey in Hereford, Herefordshire

A Panoramic Self-Build: Concept Design Unveiled for a Contemporary Replacement Dwelling in Hereford, Herefordshire Estimated reading time: 5 minutes Key Takeaways Sustainable design focused on panoramic living. Utilisation of insulated timber frame construction. Integration of existing building elements to reduce carbon footprint. Alignment with Herefordshire’s planning policies. Collaboration with local planning authorities and consultants. Table
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Mistakes in Backland Development: How to Avoid Costly Pitfalls

Mistakes in Backland Development: How to Avoid Costly Pitfalls Estimated reading time: 8 minutes Key Takeaways Thorough planning and expert consultation are essential to avoid costly mistakes. Understanding common pitfalls can significantly enhance project success. Community engagement is crucial in mitigating objections and refusals. Budget contingencies should be included to account for unforeseen circumstances. Table
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Garry Thomas Architect

Garry Thomas’s passion for architecture has been lifelong and has led him and his clients on the most extraordinary and award-winning journeys, including becoming a Top 25 Grand Designs Architect.

Now he delivers his unique skills and expertise with a national reach through his own independent practice, right back where it all started, in Fownhope, Herefordshire. Read more