Permitted development is “a national grant of planning permission which allow certain building works and changes of use to be carried out without having to make a planning application.” In a previous article, we discussed Part 1 of the general permitted development order, which sets out how households can use permitted development for home alterations. Here we discuss Part 3 of the order, which details permitted changes of use. Specifically, we will discuss how permitted development can be used to create new homes through change of use.

New build houses seem to be like marmite, you either love them or you hate them. While homes produced by volume house-builders are often criticised for their poor build quality and lack of character, they tend to offer a better starting point in terms of energy efficiency and sustainability than older homes and there are still many opportunities to improve. Read on for an overview of the characteristics of a typical new-build home and opportunities to improve.

I’ll be honest: I have long dreamed of running off to a forest somewhere and “living off the land”. This always seemed like quite a niche ambition. Now, with the cost of living crisis continuing to deepen, it no longer seems like a wild idea reserved for reclusive anarchists and the like. A much broader section of society are now looking for ways to become more self-reliant and reduce living costs. So where to start?

Family semi-detached houses, built in the mid 20th Century, remain sought after as family homes. They are typically located in suburban areas, close to schools and local amenities. Often, they sit on large plots, meaning there is flexibility to expand and adapt the home. This article gives an overview of the characteristics of a typical 1930’s semi and suggests a number of ways these properties can potentially be improved, both to increase space and to bring them closer to modern standards.

The ‘Mean, Lean, Green’ philosophy regarding resources, provides a useful hierarchy  to help keep sustainable principles at the forefront of the design process. This article will give an overview of the hierarchy and discuss ways these principles could be integrated into your home, with a focus on energy, material and water use.

Around 20% of current homes in the uk were constructed before 1919 and terraces are the most common house type. Early 20th Century terraced homes remain popular with homeowners due to their comparative affordability, convenient locations and the perceived quality of construction. On the other hand, many owners complain of maintenance issues, poor insulation and a lack of parking. This article gives an overview of the common characteristics of an early 20th Century terrace and highlights a number of potential improvements.

Timber is one of the most sustainable mainstream construction materials currently available. While the use of timber structures for houses appears to be increasing, it remains fairly limited within the residential sector. This article explores why and gives an overview of some types, advantages and disadvantages of timber construction.

Permitted Development can be complicated. The classes of development for which planning permission is granted in England are set out in a 20 part schedule. This article discusses Part 1 : Development within the curtilage of a dwellinghouse - commonly referred to as permitted development for householders.

While it is now fairly common to start a side hustle in order to generate extra income, had you ever considered your home could be a way to earn extra cash? Creating space for your home business, letting out part of your home and generating renewable electricity are all ways you could turn your home into an additional income stream.

If you are a homeowner, improving your home can improve your financial security by adding value to your property. Renovation is also a great opportunity to make sustainability improvements to your home, something that desperately needs to happen in the UK if we are to meet our domestic energy efficiency targets. Not to mention the personal wellbeing that comes with having a home tailored specifically to your needs.

Lots of us dream of building our own home at some undefined point in the future, convinced that it’s something we can’t yet afford. However, the odds are if you can afford to buy a house - you can probably afford to build one.