New Build House Architect
Designing a new home is an exciting opportunity — but securing planning permission for a new dwelling often presents significant challenges.
SVA Architects provide planning-led architectural design for new build houses, helping clients assess feasibility, manage planning risk and secure consent for well-considered residential development.
When Specialist Advice Is Essential
You should seek early professional advice if:
- You own or are considering purchasing a building plot
- You are exploring development in a garden or infill site
- The site lies outside a settlement boundary
- The proposal involves replacement or rural dwellings
- A previous new build application has been refused
Early assessment can prevent costly land purchases or unviable schemes.
Our Planning-Led Approach to New Build Houses
New dwellings are assessed carefully against:
- Settlement boundaries and development limits
- Design, scale and character
- Landscape and visual impact
- Neighbour amenity
- Sustainability and access
Our approach typically includes:
- Initial feasibility and planning risk appraisal
- Policy analysis (Local Plan and NPPF)
- Concept massing and layout studies
- Pre-application advice where appropriate
- Full planning application submissions
Design development proceeds only once planning risk is clearly understood.
Types of New Build Projects We Undertake
We regularly advise on:
- Single new dwellings
- Infill and back-land development
- Replacement houses
- Garden plot development
- Rural and edge-of-settlement sites
Each project is approached on its own merits, with a strategy tailored to the specific planning context.
Experience with Constrained and Sensitive Sites
We frequently act on new build projects involving:
- Tight or irregular plots
- Neighbour objections
- Rural or semi-rural locations
- Officer concern regarding precedent
- Planning refusals and appeals
Where appropriate, we advise on revisions, fallback positions and appeal strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I build a house in my garden?
Possibly. Garden development is assessed against local policy, design quality and impact on neighbouring properties.
Is it harder to get planning permission for a new house than an extension?
Yes. New dwellings are scrutinised more closely, making early feasibility and planning strategy essential.
Do you advise before land is purchased?
Yes. We regularly provide feasibility advice prior to land purchase to assess planning risk and potential.
Speak to a New Build House Architect
If you are considering a new build house and want clear advice on feasibility, planning strategy and next steps, we would be pleased to help.