jgiddings

Under permitted development rules for extension, can you combine the side and rear aspects or is it one or the other? Technical drawing: __________________ [ ] [ House ]_____ [ ] ] __________________ ] [ ] [ ] _____ --> extension

I guess my main concern is not so much for getting a mortgage to build it, but other people getting a conventional mortgage to buy it later on down the line.

Thanks for the replies. So they are not necessarily prejudiced against self-build, but against certain styles of building? I find the idea of timber frame with brick or block outer skin a bit strange, but perhaps that is just my inexperience. If you're going to use bricks/blocks, why bother with the timber? (I can imagine complex designs where this might be necessary, but I'm thinking in the context of a 1-storey cottage).

This is not exactly about self-build mortgages but it seemed the most appropriate place to put it. While we were looking to buy a house conventionally, a couple of properties were listed as having 'non-traditional construction' and therefore were advertised for 'cash buyers only'. How does this relate to selling a house that you have built yourself? Is 'non-traditional construction' anything that is not bricks and mortar? Where do prefab kits fall in this? Is a bricks and mortar self-build that passes building regs etc considered 'traditional' and therefore widely mortgage-able? I have to admit being put off seeing the 'non-traditional construction' on a house listing - and wouldn't want our future house to be difficult to sell because we tried to make it too environmentally friendly, for example. Thanks in advance, James

Brilliant, thanks everyone. I have asked the agent about the LDC today. He didn't seem to know what that was but said that the owner had a 'letter from the council' stating that they are happy work had commenced - perhaps they are talking about the same thing, but I have asked for confirmation from the owner. I am anticipating that we will have to deal with 2019, not 2011 building regs - and we will want a fairly energy-efficient home anyway.

Many thanks for all the information! 2. The dwellings hereby permitted shall be constructe to achieve a minimum Code for Sustainable Homes Level 3 and achieve a minimum of 1 credit under category Ene1 - 'Dwelling Emission Rate' in accordance with the requirements of The Code for Sustainable Homes: Technical Guide (Version 3) November 2010. ...and... 4. The dwellings hereby approved shall not be occupied until a Code for Sustainable Homes 'Post Construction Stage' assessment has been carried out in relation to the dwelling and a 'Final Certificate' has been issued... etc I was not so concerned about meeting the sustainable home code, but I had planned to occupy the site while working and this implies I cannot occupy the site until after it is signed off, unless I seek a separate permission. As the code may now have been superseded, would that null and void that whole condition? Good to know. No real uniformity of size, and only loosely in style, but we're after something that would be generally in-keeping. So first steps - check that the council are happy with 'material commencement' and informally discuss changing the permission to something similar but smaller. Then, if everything looks good, secure a Lawful Development Certificate and engage a planning professional to submit revised plans. Finally, attempt to purchase.

Afternoon, We are looking at purchasing a plot of land which received full planning permission for a two storey four bed house in 2011. The previous owners started works within five years of receiving permission so apparently the permission will now not lapse. However, they have not built the house, just some landscaping and driveway stuff. We would want to build a house that is similar in terms of style floor space, but only 1 storey. Still in-keeping with the local area. Essentially, we are happy with the house that got permission, but we would just like something smaller. How should we proceed? I am relatively new to the idea of self-build and planning so I'm not necessarily looking for full answers but just to be signposted in the right direction. In many respects the plot is ideal for us, but we couldn't afford to build the house which got permission, and frankly don't need anything that size. My main concern is that we apply for permission to build something different and then all permissions are revoked? I don't know if this is possible. One other question I have is to do with a condition of the planning that says you shall not take up residency until it has been signed off as meeting the sustainability guidelines. I assume this would not prevent me from living on the site in a static caravan/outbuilding during the build? Many thanks for any help you can give us in this. James