PLANNING ADVICE
Understanding the potential of land and property.
Planning can be complex. Whether you're considering the development potential of land, developing part of a garden, exploring a self-build opportunity or deciding what to do following a planning refusal, understanding the planning position early can avoid unnecessary cost and help identify the right route forward.
Our planning guides provide straightforward advice for landowners, homeowners and developers on planning permission, development potential and some of the issues that commonly affect development sites.
LAND & DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL
Understanding what your land could become.
Could your land be developed? We look at how planning policy, location, access, planning history and site constraints can affect development potential and what may realistically be achievable.
GARDEN & INFILL DEVELOPMENT
Could part of your property become a development opportunity?
Large gardens, side gardens and gaps between existing buildings can sometimes provide opportunities for new homes. We look at the planning considerations affecting garden, infill and backland development.
PLANNING STRATEGY
Choosing the right route through planning.
From pre-application advice and Permission in Principle to outline and full planning applications, we explain the different routes through the planning system and when each may be appropriate.
SELF-BUILD
Planning for your own home.
Our guides explore self-build planning permission, self-build registers, CIL relief and the role self-build housing can play when considering development opportunities.
RURAL DEVELOPMENT
Understanding development opportunities in the countryside.
We look at planning opportunities involving paddocks, agricultural land, redundant buildings, village-edge sites, holiday accommodation and other forms of rural development.
PLANNING REFUSALS
What happens when planning permission is refused?
A refusal does not necessarily mean the end of a proposal. We look at revised applications, planning appeals, redesign and the other options that may be available following a refusal.
SITE CONSTRAINTS
Understanding the issues that can affect development.
Flood risk, Green Belt, heritage, trees, ecology, access and other constraints can fundamentally affect what can be developed. Our guides explain how these issues can influence development potential and planning strategy.
HAVE A SITE IN MIND?
Every site is different.
If you own land or property and would like to understand its development potential, SWAP can provide an initial view and advise on the most appropriate next steps.
Our approach combines planning, architecture and development experience, allowing us to consider not only whether development may be acceptable in planning terms, but what could realistically be delivered.