QUICK GUIDE PLANNING & REPLACEMENT DWELLINGS

Because many replacement projects involve small existing homes on large plots, increasing the footprint or volume of the property is usually possible – but you will need the agreement of the local planners.

A pre-application meeting to assess what might be possible will pay dividends here. Many councils have their own targets to achieve energy efficient properties, and it’s often possible to argue that the much larger house you propose to build has a lower environmental impact than the smaller one it will replace, which can work in your favour.

In designated green belt areas, new development is generally prohibited, but replacement dwellings are considered more acceptable. Most local authorities will have set out strict policies on what they will allow in terms of increases in footprint and/or volume in green belt.

One pitfall to be aware of is that, if a property is too rundown or hasn’t been lived in for many years, your local planners may consider its residential use to be abandoned. This could make it unsuitable for rebuilding, so it’s worth checking in with your authority before you buy.