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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Backland Development Timeline: A Needs and Options Review The Step-by-Step Guide from Idea to Completion

Backland Development Timeline: A Step-by-Step Guide from Idea to Completion Estimated Reading Time: 7 minutes Key Takeaways Understanding Backland Development: Involves constructing homes on land behind existing properties. Navigating Planning Challenges: The timeline can span several months due to planning scrutiny. Community Engagement: Early communication can help ease objections from neighbors. Follow the Steps: A
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How Much Does a Barn Conversion Cost in 2026? A Chartered Architect’s Honest Breakdown

The short answer A barn conversion in the UK in 2026 will typically cost £2,500 to £3,500 per square metre for the build itself — before VAT, professional fees, and the extras almost every guide forgets to mention. For a typical 150m² barn, that’s a build cost of roughly £375,000 to £525,000, with a realistic
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Marketing a House with Backland Potential: Unlock Hidden Value and Maximize Returns

Marketing a House with Backland Potential Estimated reading time: 6 minutes Key Takeaways Understanding backland potential can unlock significant property value. Outline planning consent is essential for marketing value-added properties. Comprehensive information packs build buyer confidence and expedite sales. Effective marketing strategies increase visibility and appeal to potential buyers. Table of Contents Understanding Backland Potential
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Joint Solutions for Addressing Neighbour Objections to Backland Development

Joint Approaches to Neighbour Objections to Backland Development Estimated reading time: 8 minutes Key Takeaways Address neighbour concerns early to facilitate smoother developments. Collaborate with neighbours in the design process for shared benefits. Implement formal agreements regarding access and responsibilities. Engage legal professionals to ensure compliance and fairness. Table of Contents Understanding Neighbour Objections Working
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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