About this home:

Before finding this plot, self build only seemed possible once they retired. However this plot at the edge of a new development was an exciting affordable opportunity. Having remote jobs means they can answer phone calls and project manage from home, and come to site at the weekends and evenings. They're taking on the interior fit out and plumbing themselves and bringing in professionals for the structural work and electrics. Having had no building experience this has been a huge learning curve, not just in building but in managing people too. The timber frame came pre-insulated, was built off site, and was craned into position in just 4 days. They chose construction techniques that are common so that local contractors understood.

Planning Insights:

2 months at planning

South Gloucestershire have a percentage policy that requires developers like Barratts to sell 5% of plots, on developments of over 100 houses, to self builders. The plot came with a Plot Passport stipulating position, road facing façade and maintaining the village aesthetic, amongst others. They anticipated a struggle since they changed a few things in the passport but did their due diligence in speaking to the Parish Council first. Putting in a pre-app reassured them of their design choices.