Can I build a country-style home anywhere?

3 December 2012

We want to build a traditional English country style property. Are there any parts of the country where the planners won’t allow this?

Answers

The definition of a ‘traditional English country style property’ varies considerably from area to area. The flint cottages of the south coast would be out of place in the stone dominated Cotswolds, and vice versa. So much depends on context and surroundings.
The more isolated the site, the more flexibility there should be in design. Although isolated plots are almost always replacements, and planners sometimes like to see elements of the original house reflected in the new. Conversely, where a plot has immediate neighbours, such as a village or suburban infill, your design might be expected to reflect the local design vernacular. But some councils are more open to variety and change than others. Your suggestion of a traditional country style property sounds as if it’s likely to fit into most locations, provided that detailing and materials are tweaked to reflect the local style.

3 December 2012

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