Fast track planning

Securing planning consent can be one of the most challenging parts of a self build project. Graven Hill is on a mission to make self building accessible for everyone, however, and an important part of that is simplifying the planning process.

Planning permission on site

To take the uncertainty out of gaining planning, Cherwell District Council has adopted a Local Development Order (LDO) to grant permission in principle, according to a masterplan and design code. This means every serviced plot at Graven Hill already benefits from consent in principle. So, all self builders need to do is develop a design that fits with the indicated parameters in the Plot Passport and get it rubber-stamped. As long as you meet the compliance checklist, permission should be received within 28 days.

What is a Plot Passport?

All self build plots at Graven Hill come with their own unique Plot Passport that contains vital information about that piece of land. This includes a summary of the main features of the plot, a plan and key to assist designers with initial sketch proposals and guidance on the ground conditions.

Every Plot Passport is also guided by Graven Hill’s site’s wider design code. This sets out the rules specific to each of the 11 Character Areas at the development – so even the streets are matched to residents’ personalities.

The zone someone chooses to build in will determine how much design freedom they will get. For example, the Tree-lined Boulevard has relatively few limits on materials and boundary treatments, but there are restrictions on maximum building heights and the position of main facades. Sites in Urban Lanes, meanwhile, offer high levels of design freedom and creative experimentation is encouraged.

“Having this information all in one place means you can tell at a glance whether the plot will meet your needs even before you reserve it,” explains Karen Curtin.