Advice

For those who crave a home that perfectly suits their needs and dreams, self-building is an alluring proposition. The idea of creating a custom-made dwelling from scratch, tailored to your exact specifications, is a dream many people share. In this blog, we’ll explore the world of self-build homes, from the benefits and challenges to essential steps and tips for making your self-build project a reality.

The Rise of Self-Build Homes

Self-build homes have gained popularity in recent years, fueled by several factors, including a desire for unique, energy-efficient, and eco-friendly housing options. People are increasingly drawn to the idea of creating a space that matches their individual needs and preferences rather than settling for something off the shelf.

Benefits of Self-Build Homes

1. Tailored to Perfection: Self-building allows you to design a home that suits your lifestyle, including the layout, features, and finishes. You’re not constrained by the limitations of existing properties.
2. Cost Efficiency: Self-build projects often offer better value for money compared to buying a pre-built home. With careful planning and management, you can control costs and choose where to invest your budget.

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In the world of urban development and construction, the phrase “prior approval for planning” often emerges as a critical step in the journey towards building a brighter, more sustainable future. Whether you’re a developer, homeowner, or simply someone interested in the shaping of our communities, understanding the significance of prior approval is essential. In this article, we’ll explore what prior approval for planning means, why it matters, and how it contributes to the overall well-being of our cities and towns.

What is Prior Approval for Planning?

Prior approval for planning, often referred to simply as “prior approval,” is a crucial process within the realm of urban development. It involves obtaining official consent from the local planning authority (LPA) before commencing certain types of development. These developments typically include changes of use for existing buildings or land.

Key Factors Requiring Prior Approval:

1. Change of Use: This can involve converting commercial properties into residential dwellings, transforming agricultural buildings into homes, or altering a variety of property types for different purposes.
2. Agricultural Buildings: The conversion of agricultural buildings into residential or commercial use often requires prior approval.
3. Demolition: The demolition of certain structures may necessitate prior approval,

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In the ever-evolving landscape of property ownership and development in the United Kingdom, understanding the concept of permitted development rights is crucial. Permitted development rights (PDR) are a set of planning rules that determine what you can and cannot do to your property without requiring formal planning permission. These rights are designed to strike a balance between property owners’ freedom to make changes to their homes and the need to protect the environment and the character of local areas. In this blog, we will explore the ins and outs of permitted development in the UK.

What is Permitted Development?

Permitted development rights grant property owners certain privileges to make minor alterations to their properties without the need for planning permission. This streamlined process aims to facilitate homeowners’ ability to improve their living spaces while ensuring that larger or more impactful projects go through the full planning application process, which may involve consultation with local authorities and the public.

Permitted Development Categories

Permitted development rights cover various aspects of property development, such as:

Extensions: You can extend your home within certain limits, such as height and volume, without planning permission.

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All local authorities have their own adopted planning policy or otherwise known as a Local Plan. Unlike building control, planning rules can differ considerably from council to council, so gaining an understanding of your local authority’s local requirements is vital. Research the local council’s policy as well as national regulations and consult your council’s planning department or a Chartered Planning Consultant, architect or other professional, who can advise on the requirements and/or process. We here at Elevation One offer all these services and are always happy to help, having guided many local people through the planning process towards a successful self build project. .

If you’re still in the research stage of the process, take a look at the development plan policies of your local area for insights into plots that are more and less likely to get approval. Your local authority may offer supplementary planning guidance, giving more detailed information about their expectations and the external factors you need to consider such as the structure and layout of the neighbourhood. Talking to your prospective neighbours about any concerns they have can also help.

It’s important to note that policies can change over time, so what wasn’t permitted in the past may be considered today and vice versa.

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