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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Annexe vs Separate Dwelling: Making the Right Choice for Your Home

Annexe vs Separate Dwelling: Making the Right Choice for Your Home Estimated Reading Time: 8 minutes Key Takeaways Annexes offer shared facilities and are restricted to family use. Separate dwellings provide full independence and investment potential. Planning permission differs significantly between the two options. Tax implications can affect your financial decisions regarding both choices. Council
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Urban Backland Grand Designs: Transforming Hidden Urban Plots into Award-Winning Homes

Urban Backland Grand Designs: Transforming Hidden Urban Plots into Award Winning Homes Estimated reading time: 8 minutes Key Takeaways Urban backland sites offer untapped potential for innovative housing solutions. Creative design transforms small, neglected plots into stunning homes. Award-winning projects can overcome challenges like access and privacy. Smart zoning maximizes space, ensuring functional living. Table
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How to Find and Maximise Self Build Backland Opportunities in UK Cities

How to Find and Make the Most of a Self Build Backland Plot in UK Cities Estimated reading time: 7 minutes Key Takeaways Self build backland plots provide a unique chance for bespoke urban living. Backland plots are often found behind existing properties and can yield 1 to 5 homes. Understanding planning permissions and local
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Large Garden Development Potential: Unlocking Value Through Backland Feasibility and Planning

Large Garden Development Potential Estimated reading time: 8 minutes Key Takeaways Understand planning permissions for any garden development. Evaluate your garden’s backland potential through feasibility studies. Consider the financial implications of selling for development vs. developing a garden. Engage with professionals for informed decision-making and guidance. Table of Contents Can I Build in My Back
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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