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  • Class Q Permitted Development

    An Introduction to Class Q Permitted Development

    Development of a home in the countryside is for many a mere dream. For some it is a challenge; Class Q permitted development can make it a challenge which can be overcome, and those dreams realised. Class Q appeared in 2013 which, subject to compliance with various regulations allows some agricultural buildings to be used…

  • Self-build architect Barnstaple

    Planning your self-build project

    A self-build architect in Barnstaple is invaluable when starting to plan your self-build project is exciting and perhaps daunting. Here are a few pointers but appointing an architect to your team will ensure you have the right advice through the design, planning and build stages of your development. A few initial considerations. 1 Clarify your thoughts. Your…

  • Garden building plot

    Is there treasure in your garden?

    Do you have a building plot? Finding the right individual building plot is rarely easy and never without challenges. However, sometimes an opportunity is right in front of you, in plain sight. Perhaps your present home is on a generous plot; is there potential to create your own building plot for your new home? “There’s…

  • pre-purchase architectural advice

    Providing pre-purchase architectural advice

    The west country is firmly in the spotlight as the exceedingly hot property market shows little signs of cooling. Undoubtedly the sellers’ hold the best cards. Building a fine individual home on an exceptional plot is a dream for many and for those who realise it, a life-changing project. For some this may be on…

  • EVC

    The New Norm. EVC and solar PV, at home!

    As part of their push for the UK to reach carbon net zero, the Government has recently announced that legislation will be introduced in 2022 requiring all new homes to have electric vehicle charging points; new commercial and public buildings too. This initiative should see approaching 150,000 extra electric vehicle charging (EVC) points added, each…

  • Passivhaus

    Why we should all be building to the passivhaus standard?

    When planning a new home naturally people’s initial focus is often on the site, what it might it look like and rooms. Discerning clients, particularly self-builders, are looking further ahead for environmentally low-impact design. This considers the carbon footprint, energy use and protection from escalating running costs. Thus Passivhaus. However, there is so much more…

  • RIBA House of The Year 2021

    RIBA 2021 House of the Year winner was rejected by planners.

    The RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) have announced the winner of the RIBA House of the Year 2021. House on the Hill near Lydney Gloucestershire has been crowned the best one-off house designed by an architect in the UK. Partnering Channel 4’s Grand Designs’ Kevin McCloud, writer Michelle Ogundehin and architect Damion Burrows explored the…

  • Planning Permission for house on the coast

    We’re pleased to get September off to a good start with a full planning permission for a new house on the coast, replacing an obsolete dwelling near the sea. The project will see a a dilapidated bungalow replaced by new and larger property which will perform much better in terms of energy use. Moreover, it…

  • Budgeting

    Permission for Contemporary Suburban Villa

    We’re delighted to share news of another success with a new permission for contemporary suburban villa a fabulous self-build project for our clients. This simple yet striking dwelling is the result of a four year journey for our clients. Having looked for a plot without finding anything suitable, they realised the answer lay on their…