Latest articles on self build and planning permission

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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Successful Backland Development Projects UK: Inspiring Case Studies & Lessons from Award-Winning Infill Housing

Successful Backland Development Projects UK: Inspiring Case Studies & Lessons from Award-Winning Infill Housing Estimated Reading Time: 8 minutes Key Takeaways Backland development optimises underutilised urban spaces. Effective urban infill housing can revitalise neighbourhoods. Engaging with the community is essential for success. Innovative design solutions address common challenges. Best practices can guide future projects for…
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Successful Backland Development Projects in the UK: Case Studies, Challenges, and Lessons

Successful Backland Development Projects UK Estimated reading time: 7 minutes Key Takeaways Transformative Impact: Successful projects demonstrate the potential for urban regeneration through backland development. Community Engagement: Effective stakeholder engagement is crucial for overcoming objections. Sustainable Design: Innovative approaches to ecological design set new standards. Table of Contents Showcase of Successful Backland Development Projects in…
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Urban Infill Housing Design Ideas: Modern & Sustainable Solutions for Constrained Sites

Urban Infill Housing Design Ideas: Modern & Sustainable Solutions for Constrained Sites Estimated reading time: 10 minutes Key Takeaways Urban infill housing revitalises neighbourhoods and leverages existing infrastructure. Innovative design solutions address the challenges of constrained urban plots. Sustainability is key in modern infill housing, focusing on energy efficiency and environmental quality. Community engagement ensures…
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How to Overcome Objections to Backland Development: Resolving Privacy, Access, Parking, and Neighbour Concerns in Urban Infill Projects

How to Overcome Objections to Backland Development: Resolving Privacy, Access, Parking, and Neighbour Concerns in Urban Infill Projects Estimated Reading Time: 10 minutes Key Takeaways Understanding common objections such as privacy and parking is crucial. Implementing strategic design solutions can effectively address these concerns. Engaging with the community fosters trust and smoother project approvals. Integrated…
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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