Considering a knock down and rebuild project as a route to your new bespoke home? As many self builders know, it’s tricky to get planning permission for a new home on a vacant site in the countryside or the green belt. One of the best ways to get around this problem is to buy a
The post Should You Demolish and Replace a House? Your Guide to Knock Down & Rebuild Homes appeared first on Build It.
Considering a knock down and rebuild project as a route to your new bespoke home? As many self builders know, it’s tricky to get planning permission for a new home on a vacant site in the countryside or the green belt. One of the best ways to get around this problem is to buy a plot with an existing property, and demolish it to make way for your dream property.
So, what do you need to know about this route to a new build? Here I’m taking you through the key planning considerations when it comes to knocking down and rebuilding a house, highlighting the main pitfalls to avoid along the way, and providing some tips to improve your chances of success.
Jump to replacement home FAQs answered
What does a knock down and rebuild project involve?
In planning jargon, this type of project involves the demolition of an existing house and its replacement with a new one on the same site. The new property doesn’t have to be in the same part of the plot, the same size or design.
It’s easier to get planning permission for this kind of project, rather than for a new home on a vacant area of land, because the residential use of the plot has already been established. The biggest obstacle self builders face when making an application in some areas, is that the council will object in principle to any new homes outside of existing built-up areas, and national planning policy rules out development in the green belt almost entirely.
Gregory Phillips Architects designed this new build home to replace a 1960s bungalow. The contemporary single-storey property maximises views of the idyllic site. Photo: Andrew Beasley
Even though the land already has residential use, there are still plenty of potential obstacles. The new build must comply with any other national and local planning policies relevant to the construction of a new home, including design, impact on neighbours and sustainability.
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The post Should You Demolish and Replace a House? Your Guide to Knock Down & Rebuild Homes appeared first on Build It.