Thomas Studio
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A Top 25 Grand Designs Architect
Latest articles on self build and planning permission
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Rural Land for Sale England: The Ultimate Guide to Finding and Buying Self-Build Plots in the Countryside
Rural Land for Sale England – A Complete Guide to Finding and Buying Self-Build Plots in the Countryside Estimated reading time: 10 minutes Key Takeaways Rural England offers increasing opportunities for self-build projects in picturesque settings. Understanding the self-build movement is crucial for aspiring builders. Finding suitable land involves multiple strategies, including registering with local…
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Planning Permission Countryside Home: A Comprehensive Guide to Building in Open Countryside England
Planning Permission Countryside Home: What You Need to Know Before Building in Open Countryside (England) Estimated reading time: 12 minutes Key Takeaways Building a home in the English countryside requires careful navigation of stricter planning permissions compared to urban areas. Understanding settlement boundaries and the legal framework is crucial for successful planning applications. Paragraph 84e…
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How to Get Planning Permission on Land: Your Step-by-Step Guide for England and Wales
How to Get Planning Permission on Land: Your Step-by-Step Guide for England and Wales Estimated reading time: 10 minutes Key Takeaways Understanding planning permission is crucial for land development in England and Wales. Approximately 75% of planning permissions are approved with proper application. Knowing when you need planning permission and preparing a solid application boosts…
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How to write a brief for your architect
We believe great buildings can only come from a great brief! If you are planning a self-build project and you are considering hiring an architect to help you realise your dream home, it is going to be important to getting the briefing process right. At Thomas Studio we have prepared a FREE guide to help…
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How to build a Paragraph-84(e) home in the open countryside
An in-depth guide to Paragraph-84(e) Are you thinking about building a Paragraph-84(e) home in the open countryside? If you are thinking about how to build a paragraph-84(e) home in the open countryside, or you are struggling to get through the planning system or appeal, we have set out below an in-depth guide. We focus on…
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Self build house in open countryside
About the project This dream self build house in open countryside is a triumph, as planning laws make it all but impossible to gain approval. However, the ‘all-but impossible’ – is at the cutting edge of the self build opportunity, and this self build project is a result of exemption clauses in planning law, which…
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Can I get planning permission in my garden?
10 Tips How to Get Planning Permission in Your Garden – Expert Guide 2025 Architect Garry Thomas sets out his 10 top tips for how to get planning permission in your garden, based on over 15 years of successful garden development projects across the UK. Before applying for planning consent for a house in your…
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Building in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty: A Comprehensive Guide
Building in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty: A Comprehensive Guide Estimated reading time: 10 minutes Key Takeaways AONB Definition: An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is designated to protect landscapes with exceptional scenic, ecological, and cultural value. Legal Framework: Building in AONBs is governed by strict regulations under the Countryside and Rights of Way…
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Choosing a Builder for a Rural Self-Build: Your Guide to Finding the Right Team for Countryside Construction Success
Choosing a Builder for a Rural Self-Build: Your Guide to Rural Construction Success Estimated reading time: 10 minutes Key Takeaways Table of contents Introduction A rural self-build is a unique project where homeowners play a hands-on role, often managing or supervising the construction of their home on rural land. Post-pandemic, there’s been a shift…
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Rural Self-Build Mortgage Options: A Complete Guide to Financing Your Countryside Dream Home
Rural Self-Build Mortgage Options: Funding Your Countryside Dream Home Estimated reading time: 12 minutes Key Takeaways Table of contents Understanding Rural Self-Build Mortgage Options What Are Self-Build Mortgages? Self-build mortgages are specifically designed for those who are building their own homes, particularly in rural areas. Unlike traditional mortgages, these loans release funds in stages…
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10 Inspiring Ideas Using Sustainable Building Materials for Countryside Homes
10 Inspiring Ideas Using Sustainable Building Materials for Countryside Homes Estimated reading time: 10 minutes Key Takeaways Sustainable building materials minimise environmental impact and enhance durability. Using local materials supports low-carbon rural architecture. Eco-friendly self-build ideas promote self-sufficiency and cost savings. Renewable energy integration is crucial for off-grid rural house design. Balancing tradition with innovation…
Garry Thomas Architect
Garry Thomas’s passion for architecture has been lifelong and has led him and his clients on the most extraordinary and award-winning journeys, including becoming a Top 25 Grand Designs Architect.
Now he delivers his unique skills and expertise with a national reach through his own independent practice, right back where it all started, in Fownhope, Herefordshire. Read more
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