Unlock planning permission for one-off home
A self-build project can be one of the most rewarding ways to create a home — but it’s rarely straightforward.
As RIBA Chartered Architects, we help homeowners and private clients make confident, well-informed decisions from concept through to completion. Whether you’re working with a plot, an idea, or a fully developed brief, we provide the strategic guidance and technical expertise to bring it to life.
How we support self-build clients
Site feasibility and strategic advice [view our Feasibility Packages]
Concept design and spatial layout planning
Full Planning applications, reports and design statements
Building regulations and construction detailing
Tendering, contractor liaison and on-site support
What Stage Are You At?
You might be:
Exploring whether your land or site is viable
Looking for a concept design to test ideas
Preparing a planning submission
Seeking a full-service architect
Needing technical drawings for building regulations or contractor tendering
We adapt our input depending on what you need — from one-off advice to full-service delivery.
Who we recently helped |
Who we recently helped |
Brooklands Farm
3 Units
Southam, Warickshire
In April 2025, we obtained a Certificate of Lawful Development for our client, confirming that consent had not lapsed on a planning application approved three years earlier. By discharging the pre-start conditions and demonstrating a ‘meaningful start’ on site, we were able to demonstarte to the LPA that the consent remained valid. This exercise saved our client considerable time and avoided the costs of re-submission. The project will now progress to RIBA Stage 4.
Lillington
1 Unit
Leamington, Warwickshire
In June 2025, consent was granted for a single-storey rear extension. Despite a planning officer’s recommendation for approval, the initial application was refused at committee. By avoiding an appeal and re-submitting a revised application, we addressed concerns around local character and distinctiveness, securing support from the majority of the committee. This saved our client time, avoided appeal costs and ensured the original brief was delivered through careful design consideration.
Wappenham
1 Unit
Towcester, UK
A sensitive site in Wappenham is being carefully de-risked for development through a strategic assessment of constraints and opportunities. The proposal involves a new self-build dwelling outside the village boundary in open countryside.
By undertaking detailed historical research and site analysis, we developed a context-led design that integrates with the landscape and minimises local impact. This approach helps mitigate neighbourhood concerns and supports a stronger planning position.
Our proposal, alongside a supporting research summary, will be submitted to the Local Planning Authority at the Pre-application stage. This allows the client to test planning risk before committing to a full application—offering early insight and reducing the potential for costly delays.
Hollow Meadow Farm
1 Unit
Priors Hardwick, Warickshire
From RIBA Stages 0–7, we developed the brief, designed a scheme that met all the client’s needs, secured planning consent and discharged all conditions following approval. We later delivered a full set of technical drawings for Building Regulations approval, guiding the client through value engineering opportunities to help reduce build costs.
Following our recommendation of general contractors during the tender process, the project is now progressing under a JCT Design & Build Contract. We are continuing to support the delivery team by overseeing site progress and providing critical design input to ensure the successful completion of the build
Thinking of building?
If you’re considering a self-build or have a site in mind, we can help turn your ambition into a buildable reality. Get in touch to start the conversation.