Is it feasible?
If you have a large garden or outdoor space surrounding your home, it may have crossed your mind to build a new house on the site - and it certainly could be possible and profitable! However, initially you will need advice from a good architect, and they will typically carry out a ‘feasibility study’. They consider many factors, including if your property is on greenbelt land - which decreases likelihood of planning permission acceptance. Other considerations prior to applying for planning permission are discussed below.
Planning permission
Firstly, you need to think about planning permission. All planning decisions are based upon both national and local planning policy. Unfortunately, policy is generally set up to resist such development for new dwellings but there are, as always, exceptions to the rule. Residential annex for example are supported by the NPPF (and in some circumstances are even possible under Permitted Development). Similarly infill sites within a settlement boundary are more likely to be successful.
There are several factors to contemplate before applying for planning permission which will increase your chances of being successful:
Do you have enough space for a second dwelling? And if so, where would you like it to be positioned? Policy includes for certain levels of amenity. This includes separation distances between properties, and minimum garden sizes among other criteria.
The style of the property proposed will also impact the likelihood of approval. Within a conservation area, area of outstanding natural beauty, national park or such protected areas a contemporary home is more likely to face resistance. Nonetheless the local authority will consider each application on its own merits.
Trees and protected species are a possible cause for permission to be refused. If your plot is located within a conservation area, the removal of any trees will be tricky to be approved, therefore a well thought-out landscaping plan is necessary. If your plot is potentially a habitat for any protected species, such as newts or bats, an ecological survey will be required.
Benefits of building a house in your garden
There are many huge advantages of constructing another dwelling on your plot, including:
A significant increase in the value of your land and property. - even solely doing the feasibility study and obtaining planning permission will likely uplift the current value. You don’t even need to build the house as selling your plot of land with planning permission, whilst staying in your own house, is a possibility.
It could serve as a huge convenience to yourself and your family, if you need space for extra storage, or require more room for a growing family or an elderly relative.
The property in your garden could serve as second income if you rent it out - this is a fantastic investment opportunity.
I think this could be for me - what now?
At EDG:Architecture, we can help you determine feasibility, costs, obtain planning permission, and most importantly, we can help you achieve your dream garden home! Please click the link below and fill out the project enquiry form - you will received a free consultation, whereby you will be given valuable advice on how to get started!