Self-build homes

Planning permission for self-build either comes with the plot or can be applied for before or after land purchase. Planning permission is associated with the land, rather than the applicant and you can make a purchase subject to planning permission. Some agreements of this nature can incur legal fees.

There are a number of scams to be aware of and we recommend you to always seek independent professional advice and check whether the plot comes with planning permission approved. You can also contact the local planning authority (LPA).

Find your local planning authority ^{(https://www.planningportal.co.uk/find-your-local-planning-authority)}

It is advisable to engage with your LPA, pre-application, in order to understand any constraints on the land that may prevent development. You can find these on some LPA websites, though if you are not familiar with planning and the planning process, they can be difficult to understand. Many local authorities charge for pre-application advice but early engagement with them may help you achieve a successful outcome.

It’s important to remember that LPAs can enforce very different rules. What applies to one part of the country might be very different to another. Consider local planning restrictions when putting your application together – it could save you time and money.

What are outline planning permission and detailed planning permission?

An application for outline planning permission (OPP) is generally used to find out, at an early stage, whether or not a proposal is likely to be approved by the LPA before any substantial costs are incurred. OPP generally applies to larger projects.

For smaller schemes refer to the aforementioned process for pre-application. The local council website should have forms and information on how to complete an application – there is normally a charge for this. If, following a LPA pre-application advice, an outline application is proposed, you can access all the relevant forms via the Planning Portal application process.

Once planning permission has been granted, a ‘reserved matters’ application must be made within three years of the consent (or a lesser period if specified by a condition on the original outline approval). Reserved matters can include details about the appearance of the development, access, landscaping, layout and scale.

Detailed planning permission (DPP) is the next step in the process and indicates that a detailed application has been submitted to the LPA. Location plans and other supporting information are usually supplied at this stage.

In summary

• Seek expert advice whenever you are in doubt – either using a planning professional or early engagement with the LPA
• Be aware of the risks of buying land for which planning permission has not yet been obtained
• Always check the LPA Local Plan for any constraints on the land i.e. greenbelt, flood risk
• Make sure you understand the different types of planning permission and what your responsibilities are
• Remember that OPP is conditional
• Rules and policies are not the same across LPAs. Always speak to your LPA for the most up to date guidance.