If you’re thinking of building your own home, navigating the planning system can seem like a complex and overwhelming process. Understanding the key steps can make all the difference in securing planning permission smoothly and efficiently. But with the right expertise, it becomes a much smoother process.
Building your own home is an exciting opportunity to create a space tailored to your needs, lifestyle, and budget. Whether you’re managing the entire process yourself or commissioning professionals to bring your vision to life, a self-build approach offers flexibility and control. From factory-built pre-fabs to bespoke architect-designed homes, self-builds can incorporate the latest technologies and designs to suit your tastes.
However, before construction can begin, you must navigate the planning system – a process that can often seem complex and overwhelming. Understanding the key steps can make all the difference in securing planning permission smoothly and efficiently.
Step 1: Choosing the Right Site
The journey begins with selecting a suitable site. You may already own land or be looking to purchase a plot with self-build potential. In either case, assessing the sites planning prospects early on is essential. At Bell Cornwell, we provide expert site appraisals, helping you understand planning constraints, opportunities, and the best route to achieving your objectives.
Step 2: Designing Your Home
Once you’ve secured a site, the next step is developing a design that meets your needs while aligning with local planning policies. This is where working and collaborating with an experienced architect becomes crucial. If you need recommendations, the Bell Cornwell team can connect you with trusted professionals and other key specialists to ensure your proposal is well prepared.
Step 3: Preparing and Submitting Your Planning Application
With a design in place, you’ll need to submit a planning application to your local planning authority (LPA). Depending on the circumstances, pre-application discussions with the LPA may also form part of this to identify potential issues early. Bell Cornwell’s Planning Consultants can guide you through this process. They can help you decide the best strategy, preparing supporting planning statements, and handling the administrative elements such as application forms and notices. We can also liaise with council officers, negotiate on your behalf, and, if necessary, engage with local politicians and planning committees to strengthen your case.
Step 4: Handling Post-Permission Requirements
Securing planning permission is a major milestone – one worth celebrating! However, conditions attached to your approval may require further agreements with the LPA before work can commence. Additionally, self-build projects often involve administrative requirements related to eligibility and occupancy. Bell Cornwell can support you through these final steps, ensuring all conditions are met so you can break ground with confidence.
Navigating the planning system for a self-build can be challenging, but with the right expertise, it becomes a much smoother process.
The Bell Cornwell team provides tailored advice to help you maximise your chances of success, from site selection and design coordination to planning applications and post-permission requirements. If you’re considering a self-build and want expert planning support, get in touch with our team. Let’s turn your dream home into a reality!
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Jonathan Jarman is one of our longest serving planners having joined the Bell Cornwell team in 2008. He is now an Associate based in our Hampshire office. Jonathan has a broad range of planning experience and provides valuable advice and services across the South-East. He is a specialist in matters involving the Green Belt.
