If you have a large garden, you may be sitting on a building plot. Many of the homes we build start life as part of someone's garden, and for self-builders a garden plot can be the most affordable way to secure land.
The short answer is: possibly, but you will need planning permission, and councils look closely at garden schemes. These are the main things they consider.
1. Where your home sits. Most councils draw a boundary around each town and village. Inside it, a new home is often acceptable in principle. Outside it, the bar is much higher. Many councils across Kent and Sussex currently cannot show enough land for new housing, which can tip the balance in favour of well-designed schemes.
2. Access. A new home needs safe access for cars, refuse lorries and emergency vehicles. A driveway down the side of your house, or a separate frontage onto a lane, is often the deciding factor.
3. Fitting in. Councils refuse schemes that look cramped or out of character. The new plot needs to be in keeping with neighbouring plot sizes and leave you a decent garden.
4. Neighbours. Overlooking, loss of light and noise all count. Good design and careful positioning go a long way.
5. Trees, wildlife and covenants. Protected trees, ecology and old restrictive covenants on your title can all affect what is possible, so check them early.
Not sure if your garden has potential? We have been assessing garden plots across Kent, Sussex and Surrey for years. Call Richard on 07771 547433 for a free, no-obligation view, whether you want to sell the plot or build on it yourself.
