If you want to build your own house from scratch there are things you have to do first.
One of these is getting permission from your local council to start your building work.
To do this you need to apply for planning permission and a building warrant.
Before applying, check to see if the plot of land you buy already has a planning permission application assigned to it. If it does you may have to build your house to its specifications, unless you submit a brand new application.
If the plot of land you're buying does not already have detailed planning permission, you need to obtain it before you start building on it.
Planning permission means asking the council to let you build on the land. Decisions are based on the Local Development Plan and will look at things like:
Even if the council agree you can build on your plot, they expect you to pay careful attention to the exact design of the building and where it's located according to the approved plans – especially if you're building in a conservation area or near a listed building.
You should try to get planning permission as early as possible because the process can take some time. Don't buy a plot or hire a builder before you get planning permission. If it's denied you may be stuck paying for a plot of land or a builder contract you do not want.
If you have an architect designing your home for you, you can ask them to apply for planning permission on your behalf.
Speak to a planning officer at the planning authority before sending them an application for planning permission. They'll let you know if there are any issues or restrictions you should be aware of.
Find out about planning permissionCheck further information on planning applications and permissions.
As well as planning permission, you need to apply for a building warrant before you're allowed to start building work on your home.
While planning permission is about how your house will look, a building warrant is about whether it meets building standards.
During the building process you can get parts of your house certified by Approved Certifiers. If they're happy it meets building standards they'll give you a certificate that you can give the council as part of your application.