Hi San,

Whether you can split a single plot with planning permission to form additional self build opportunities will very much depend on the circumstances involved. Your local authority may have rules on things like housing density, for example, while the planners are also like to consider your intentions in the context of the existing pattern of housing in the area. Feel free to email us with some more details of your plans and one of our experts may be able to take a closer look – you can find our email address at https://www.self-build.co.uk/magazine/about/44

On the subject of group self build projects, check out https://www.self-build.co.uk/community-self-build and https://www.self-build.co.uk/what-custom-build for some great advice!

Chris Bates, Deputy Editor & Online Editor, Build It magazine

Whether a large plot with planning for one house can be split into three smaller plots depends a great deal on how the permission came about in the first place, and also the character and pattern of housing in the vicinity.

A single large house permission could be a replacement of an existing house, for example. If this is in countryside, then going from one to three is likely to be difficult. Within settlements much depends on the surrounding pattern of housing – would three new builds fit in without appearing cramped? Would there be adequate plot sizes, amenity space, access and parking?

You must research the planning potential carefully (ideally before you buy) – either by seeking pre-application advice from the council, or by obtaining independent advice from a planning consultant.

Mike Dade, Build It magazine’s Planning Expert