Planning permission for a self-build or new home
A brand-new dwelling always needs planning permission, there is no permitted development shortcut, so the design and the application are where a self-build is won or lost.
Building your own home is the biggest project most people take on, and it starts with land that can get permission. Unlike alterations to an existing house, a new dwelling is a full planning application from the outset.
- No permitted development route exists for creating a new dwelling
- Councils keep a Right to Build register of people seeking self-build plots (under the Self-build and Custom Housebuilding Act)
- Once built, the new home gains its own permitted development rights, often restricted by condition on new estates
- Every new-build dwelling requires full planning permission
- Outline permission can establish the principle, with details reserved for later
- Design, access, drainage, ecology and impact on neighbours are all assessed
- Designated land and sensitive sites face additional policy tests
Don't forget building regs
A new home is designed and built to the full building regulations: structure, energy performance, fire, drainage, ventilation and more. We prepare a complete building control package and structural design in-house, coordinated with the planning drawings.
We take self-builds from first feasibility through planning to construction-ready drawings, with architecture and structural engineering under one roof. See our new build drawings, and, if you want to be involved end to end, our project management service. Start on the contact page.
Frequently asked
Do I always need planning permission for a new house?
Yes. Creating a new dwelling is not permitted development. It needs full planning permission (or outline permission followed by reserved matters). The design quality and how it responds to the site are central to success.
What is the Right to Build register?
Local councils must keep a register of people and groups who want serviced plots to build their own home, and have a duty to grant enough permissions to meet that demand. Adding your name can help evidence local self-build need.
Not sure where your project stands?
Checking whether you need planning permission is one of the first things we do: on the house, before any drawings. Tell us about your project and we'll confirm the route.