Sites and buildings
Large gardens and backland sites. Could your plot take a new home?
A large garden, a plot behind a row of houses or a disused garage block can be worth far more with planning permission for a home or two. These small sites are often the hardest to get through planning relative to their size, because neighbours are close, access is tight and councils are cautious about the character of established streets. Getting the design and the case right first time matters.
Who it is for
For homeowners with large gardens, owners of land behind houses, shops or other buildings, and owners of garage blocks and small infill plots, as well as small developers buying them.
What to consider
- Planning policyPrivate residential gardens in built-up areas are not treated as previously developed land, and many councils have specific policies on garden and backland development. In London, the London Plan supports well-designed homes on small sites.
- AccessA safe vehicle and pedestrian access, room for bins and, often, emergency access are usually the first test. Narrow driveways between houses can rule a site out.
- NeighboursOverlooking, loss of light, noise from the access and the effect on the character of the street are what neighbours and councils focus on.
- Trees and ecologyTree preservation orders, trees in conservation areas, and protected species such as bats. Biodiversity net gain applies to most new homes, with simpler arrangements for small sites.
- Splitting the titleSeparating the plot from the main house can affect its value, mortgage and services, so the effect on the existing home should be considered too.
The options
- Sell the plot with planningSecure consent and sell to a small builder or self-builder.
- Build and sellBuild the new home or homes yourself.
- Build and keepBuild for family or to let.
- Sell the whole propertySell house and plot together, with the planning permission adding value.
How we help
- Feasibility studies: what the site or building could become, and what each option costs and returns
- Site identification: finding and securing the right site
- Development management: managing the scheme, including the planning process and the right planning consultant
- Delivery strategy for complex sites
- Project management
Case studies
Guides
Common questions
Can I build a house in my back garden?
Sometimes. It depends mainly on access, the size of the plot, neighbours, trees and the council’s policy on garden development. A short feasibility study tests it before design costs are spent.
Will a new house in my garden reduce the value of my home?
It can, depending on what garden is left and how the new home affects the outlook and access. The overall gain should be worked out, not just the value of the plot.
What is a backland site?
Land behind existing buildings, without its own street frontage, such as long rear gardens, yards or garage blocks.