Where to build new housing is a hotly debated question. The targets set by national government often fuel massive controversy when they are translated into local government plans. Parish councils, residents’ groups, environmental campaigners all get involved.
Whatever way you debate the issues one thing is clear. We need more houses built and they need to go somewhere!
Building on brownfield sites or within existing built up areas will always be the preferred option, rather than building on unspoilt, greenfield sites. For both large multi-dwelling projects and smaller developments. So, is the large garden of an existing house a suitable site for a new property to be built?
Building a House in an Existing Garden
Over the years a wide variety of houses have been built in this country, many with large gardens. And, although it’s not always popular, larger gardens can provide ideal development sites within existing residential areas.
At WPS Planning we recently obtained planning permission for this type of development. The application site was a large plot within a 1980s housing development, located at the end of a close.
The site featured a four-bedroom detached house with attached double garage. The proposal is for the erection of an adjacent two-bedroom house. The existing double garage will be shared between the existing property and the new house, providing a single garage and parking space for each. Both houses will have a good-sized garden, similar in size to the gardens of neighbouring properties within the close.
What You Need to Consider
Proposals for this type of development need to ensure that:
- The proposed dwelling is similar in scale and design to the surrounding properties
- The proposed dwelling sits comfortably within the plot and provides a sufficient level of accommodation, both internal and external
- The development will not result in any existing properties being overlooked or overshadowed
- There is suitable provision for off-street parking
We can appraise any potential site and advise as to whether a planning application is likely to be successful. We can also compile the necessary information for an outline or full planning permission application.
Get in touch if you’d like to know more.