SelfBuildDesignMarch2022

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50 MARCH 2022 / Selfbuildanddesign.com

HOMES RENOVATION & EXTENSION

BEDROOMS
Upstairs was
extended and
reconfigured
to provide five
bedrooms,
including the
master suite
which has a large
dressing area
and en suite
bathroom.

BATHROOMS “I would like to extend the cellar and provide a basement,
Each of the five but I get itchy feet every few years and get the urge to move,
bathrooms has so Sheena suggested that we do that as our next project!”
been designed says Rod. “But this is our forever home, and there are lots of
differently, things we could still do to it, so I think it will keep me busy.”
with the use of
opulent tiles, FINAL WORD
following the
black and white What were the high
theme used points of the project?
throughout The kitchen worktop going
the house. in was brilliant – it finally felt
like we were almost done.
Moving in was great too. time because of the cost, but the
girls would really enjoy it. I think
And the low point? we may put one in at some point.
The drain problem was stressful,
Your top tips?
but at least it happened while When it comes to builders,
it was still a building site. they are only as good as the
information that you give them
What was your biggest at the start of the project.
extravagance? They will need complete and
accurate drawings, a schedule
The hallway tiles cost far more of works and a full idea of who
than we planned, but we looked is providing what. We agreed
everywhere for them and they that I would buy all second-fix
items, and it worked well because
were worth the expense. both parties knew where they
And your best buy? stood. My one tip would be to
The kitchen units are really good get your contracts in place, and
quality at a very reasonable price. make sure both parties know
What do you like most what is expected of them.
about your house?
The openness of the kitchen
and the island – they are
brilliant for hosting big

lunches and parties.
What would you do

differently?
I would put a resistance pool in
the garden. We didn’t do it at the

Selfbuildanddesign.com / MARCH 2022 51

Ahead of
the curve

Mark and Melody Crowdy devised an unusual
brief for their new eco home, which fuses
Californian, Balinese and Cornish styles of
architecture into one curvaceous house.

STORY: DEBBIE JEFFERY PICTURES: CHRIS HEWITT

52 MARCH 2022 / Selfbuildanddesign.com

HOMES NEW BUILD

EXTERIOR

The sustainable,
self-sufficient

home makes the
most of the site
and its beautiful
woodland setting.

IN BRIEF T he wish list for our new home seemed
almost impossible to achieve in a single
PROJECT New build building,” admits Mark Crowdy. “We wanted
LOCATION Cornwall an Asian aesthetic, coupled with a modern
Californian feel, which fitted into the Cornish
CONSTRUCTION landscape. A house that flowed, with no hard edges; that
Timber frame had a feeling of space but was usable and didn't feel cold.
A house that was exciting to be in and that a family could
BUILD ROUTE Contractors grow into. Incredibly, we feel our architect has achieved
COST Undisclosed this with a lightness of touch that is quite remarkable.”

Mark, his wife Melody, and their children – James,
now 13, and Scarlett, 12 – had been living in London,
where they renovated their house. “We’d previously
lived in Bali, Sri Lanka and California, but wanted to
feel part of a community, which wasn’t possible in a
big city,” continues Mark, a writer and producer, best
known for the popular Doc Martin series, a spin-off from
his film Saving Grace, both shot in Cornish villages.

“We loved spending time in Cornwall, but found the
north coast rather brutal, with trees growing at an
angle because of the harsh winds, compared to the
gentler, almost Mediterranean climate of the south
coast,” says Mark, who spotted a cottage and stunning
eight-acre plot in a small hamlet, five minutes from
the centre of Truro, when driving past one day.

The secluded and beautiful wooded site had just been
sold, but when the sale later fell through, Melody and
Mark stepped in to purchase the property. “The previous
buyers had wanted to replace the tiny cottage with a
small development, whereas we just hoped to build one
family home,” says Mark, who admits that their naivety
regarding planning law perplexed many of their friends.

“They asked ‘what have you done?’ because – although
the cottage was previously inhabited by sheep and came
with planning permission for a replacement dwelling –
gaining consent for a larger property wasn’t guaranteed.”

The couple were advised to engage a planning
consultant, and at the same time Googled ‘best eco
architect in Cornwall’. Award-winning Bodmin-based
practice ARCO2 came top of the list, and director
Ian Armstrong was invited to visit the site.

“He loved the plot and we really liked him,” says Melody,
a yoga teacher. “The fact that the practice has an in-house
building company attached also seemed like a good idea,
because everything would then be under one roof.”

Ian began working on the design, which incorporates
the family’s various requests, including soft curves
rather than straight lines. “Modern homes can
feel quite hard and angular, and we like Asian
architecture from our time spent there,” says Mark.

Selfbuildanddesign.com / MARCH 2022 53

HOMES NEW BUILD

“Melody was born in California and I lived there
for seven years too, so we also wanted to bring some
of the Hollywood Hills style to our new home, which
had to please the planners and sit well in the valley.
A glazed atrium with an indoor tree was on our wish
list, and the house needed to adapt over time and be
future-proof. It was definitely a tough brief to meet!”

Natural light and private views of the secluded
valley location were key, and the four-bedroom
house was designed to work with the landscape,
incorporating several changes in level, with all
rooms benefiting from views of the woodland.

The building was devised with a combination of single-
and double-storey elements, using natural materials
including stone, timber and green roofs, together
with modern lightweight materials such as zinc.

The north-east facing, single-storey wing has a
mono-pitched wild flower green roof and appears to
float over a newly created lake. This wing accommodates
kitchen and dining areas, with direct access onto
the garden via decking, and has a Californian feel.

FLOORPLAN

FIRST FLOOR

“I made the decision not to
have any load-bearing walls,
so it’s possible to have a fully
open plan on all floors.”

GROUND FLOOR

The ground floor has been designed with open-plan kitchen/dining space beside
a sunken TV area, a separate sitting room, glazed atrium, ground floor guest suite,

and playroom, together with a pantry, utility room, and cloaks. On the first floor,
the master suite is divided from two en suite children’s rooms by a glazed bridge.

54 MARCH 2022 / Selfbuildanddesign.com

SETTING

The lake and
Japanese garden
were designed to
work in harmony

with the setting.

The shallow-pitched gable roof structure is two storeys
and accommodates the living room, which benefits
from views of the site and evening sunshine within a
private walled courtyard – perfect for the family dog.

On the first floor, and designed in a Balinese style,
the master bedroom suite and balcony make the
most of morning and evening sunshine, while the
stone-walled wing accommodates three bedrooms
and a playroom, and was inspired by Cornish
architecture, with zinc and planted roofs.

“Each of the three wings has been designed so that
you can’t easily see all of them at once,” says Melody.
When approaching the house from the driveway, the
Balinese and Californian wings have been cleverly
hidden behind a spline wall; the impact is therefore of a
smaller-scale home with a contemporary Cornish feel.

“The planners were remarkably on board, and Ian
made a wonderful brochure about the design to show

Selfbuildanddesign.com / MARCH 2022 55

HOMES NEW BUILD

“The idea of having our bedroom
in one part with the children in
another, and joining the two by a
glass bridge, was inspirational.”

the parish council what we hoped to achieve,” says BRIDGE/
Mark, who also wrote a letter explaining that this would ATRIUM
be a family home and not a commercial proposition. A tree grows
up through the
The family rented out their London home and atrium, which
moved into a house close to the Cornish site, so that is spanned by
the children could attend their new schools during a glass bridge
the build. “It was like a film production in some ways, connecting
with the various strands coming together,” says Mark. adult and
“I’ve never come across anyone with such a strong children's
work ethic as our builder, who worked weekends to bedroom
stay on track and paid incredible attention to detail.” wings on the
first floor.
Bringing mains electricity to the site proved difficult,
time consuming and expensive, and the idea of running
the whole property off grid was rejected as there could be
a shortfall in energy during winter months. Builders ADD
Sustainable Construction were therefore forced to use a
bio-fuelled generator until mains electricity was available.

Prior to the demolition of the existing building, a
dedicated structure was erected to provide mitigation
for the bats that had been roosting on the site.

Constructed on an encapsulated concrete raft, which
was cast in-situ, walls for the new house consist of two
independent timber frames, spaced 400mm apart, but
not joined. This allows for maximum recycled newspaper
insulation and reduces cold bridging. The roof consists of
engineered I-joists, which use less timber, span further
than solid timber, and also provide minimal cold bridging.

56 MARCH 2022 / Selfbuildanddesign.com

IN DETAIL

KITCHEN PROJECT Plasterers Platinum
The open-plan Architect ARCO2: arco2.co.uk Plastering: platinum-sw.com
kitchen/diner
overlooks Builder ADD Sustainable Decorator Stewart
the lake, with Construction: addsc.co.uk Healey: 07717 337525
curved walls Land surveyors Alpha Land External paint GC
and the island Surveys: alphalandsurveys.co.uk Johnson: gcjohnson.com
unit sited on an Ecologist HEA Ecology:
angle. Wide oak Rainwater goods
floorboards, heaecology.co.uk Lindab: lindab.com
inspired by Landscape architect Scaffolding LTC Access
Asian hotels, masterplan Patrick Collins Scaffolding: ltcaccess.co.uk
have been laid Design: patrickcollins-
in the house  
together design.co.uk FIXTURES & FITTINGS
with Egyptian SAP assessor Aston
limestone Reef: astonreef.com Heat pump Abode Heat:
flooring. Structural engineer abodeheat.com
CDEC Ltd: cdec-ltd.com
Planning consultant Kitchen Future Kitchens
Cornwall: future-kitchens.net
Situ8: situ8.co.uk Sanitaryware The Bathroom
Lighting design Millard Studio Ltd: bathroomstudio.net
and Flo: millardandflo.com 
Electrics Lloyd Electrical: MVHR system Vent-
Axia: vent-axia.com
07792 678808
Plumbing BE Heating and Water source heat pump
Plumbing Ltd: beheat.co.uk Mastertherm: mastertherm.co.uk
Audio visual BM Systems:
Underfloor heating
07827 223481 Omnie: omnie.co.uk
  Wireless room thermostats
Heatmiser: heatmiser.com
STRUCTURE Wood-burner Kernow
Windows Livingwood Windows: Fires: kernowfires.co.uk
Treatment plant
livingwoodwindows.co.uk Klargester: kingspan.com
Main supplier Tamar Landscaping suppliers
Contec SW: contecsw.com
Trading: tamartrading.com Gate Gates and Fences UK:
Roof lights Glazing Vision: gatesandfencesuk.co.uk
Handrail Charlestown Joinery:
glazingvision.co.uk  charlestownjoinery.co.uk 
Bitumen impregnated Internal balustrading St
fibreboard Bitroc: bitroc.in Austell Glass: staustellglass.co.uk
Swimming pool Trelawney
Pools: trelawneypools.co.uk 

Selfbuildanddesign.com / MARCH 2022 57

HOMES NEW BUILD

“I’d seen the idea of the curved
stone hallway in a magazine and it
provides warmth and interest.”

The building has been designed to be as maintenance MASTER
free as possible, and self-cleaning glass was specified
in areas that are inaccessible, such as roof lights. The BEDROOM
zinc roofs, natural stone and black stained timber The stunning
finishes require virtually no maintenance, although the master
wild flower green roofs do require an annual cut. bedroom
suite has a
“I’d seen the idea of the curved stone hallway cherrywood
in a magazine, and it provides warmth and ceiling and
interest,” says Mark. “The builders curved the private balcony
plasterboard, and used natural materials such as which offers
cherrywood, which bring the house alive.” views over the
surrounding
Internal stone walls, limestone flooring and two valley and
layers of plasterboard to ceilings and external walls makes the most
add thermal mass, and the entire ground floor is of the morning
and evening
sunshine.

58 MARCH 2022 / Selfbuildanddesign.com

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HOMES NEW BUILD

SUNKEN finished in thick screed, with underfloor heating
TV AREA pipes clipped to high-performance rigid insulation.
Beside the
open-plan “It’s a substantial house, but sits low on the site,”
kitchen/diner, says Mark. “The idea of having our bedroom in
a sunken one part with the children in another, and joining
area creates the two by a glass bridge, was inspirational. Our
a relaxed TV miniature Schnauzer wasn’t keen to walk on the
lounge. glass floor at first but is very at home now.”

A stream runs through the plot of land and excavating
the new lake provided an opportunity to install an
efficient underwater heat pump. “During lockdown
we watched deer drinking from the lake, and it
attracts all kinds of wildlife and birds,” says Melody.

The second phase of the project was to create
a complementary pool building with a yoga room
above, and this needed to work in symbiosis with
the main house and blend Cornish and Balinese
architecture, yet with a style all its own.

A property of this size, with a detached leisure
building incorporating an indoor pool and sauna,
would normally prove expensive to run, but the pool
water, all space heating, and hot water are all heated
via the high-performance water source heat pump,
which has four slinky pipes submerged in the lake.

“We never intended to build a home in Cornwall – our
original idea was to find a house near Truro,” says Mark.
“Taking on such a huge project was a challenge, but we
were incredibly lucky to find such an enthusiastic and
talented team, who worked hard to bring our ideas to life.”

FINAL WORD

POOL What were the high to use it in a small area
HOUSE points of the project? somewhere in the house.
An indoor Watching the timber frames
swimming pool, going up was exciting. Top tip?
yoga room, …and the low point? Carefully source an architect
workshop Our dog breaking into the and builder you respect and can
and garaging Portacabin and eating work with. We are still friends
nestle into the with everyone on the team,
landscape. people’s lunches! and didn’t fall out with anyone
Your best buy? during the project, which made
Excavating the lake has made for an extremely happy time.
us self-sufficient for energy
and created a fabulous
outlook which attracts wildlife.
Biggest extravagance?
I’d coveted the hand-
painted cherry blossom
wallpaper (left) in the
guest bathroom for some
time and was determined

Selfbuildanddesign.com / MARCH 2022 61

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WORDS: LUCY KEECH LEFT: The Mythos Plus MYX
stainless steel inset sink features a
The heart of slim 6mm polished rim, which sits
the kitchen almost flush with the worktop for a
sleek finish. There are five models
The size and style of your new sink depend on how to choose from. Pictured is the 211-
much you cook, whether or not you own a dishwasher, 86, which costs £695. (franke.co.uk)
how much space is available and ease of installation. BELOW: Finished in black
metallic, the Londa single-bowl
 One of the most popular choices is an inset or over- sink and drainer are 950mm in
mounted sink, where a self-supporting basin is dropped length and are shown here with
in with an overlapping rim. The downside is that dirt the Swich water filter diverter
can get trapped and mould could build up. An under- (price: £226) and the modern
mounted sink is easier to maintain, with clean edges and Linear Nero monobloc mixer
a modern look, although installation is slightly trickier. tap, which features a tall black
spout and chrome aerator. Price:
 A flush-mounted sink is level to the work surface £442 for the tap and £285 for
which gives a sleek look, perfect for modern kitchens. the sink. (abodedesigns.co.uk)
A further option for the contemporary home is an BOTTOM: Instantly dispensing
integrated sink, which is made from the same single filtered steaming hot water
alongside regular hot and cold
RIGHT: Here water, the 3N1 is available in two
the K700 shapes plus a variety of finishes,
composite sink and comes with a self-closing,
is teamed with easy-to-grip steaming hot water
the Eurosmart handle with push-lever safety
single-lever locking mechanism. It is shown
basin mixer here in the brushed gold L-shaped
in chrome. design, costing from £729.99.
Price: £380.20 (insinkerator.emerson.com)
for the sink
and £198.31
for the tap.
(grohe.co.uk)

64 MARCH 2022 / Selfbuildanddesign.com

FOCUS KITCHEN SINKS & TAPS

ABOVE: This three-way water filter tap from
Brita is made from brushed stainless steel and has
a rectangular design. It features a dedicated blue
handle for filtered water and a mixer lever for regular
hot and cold tap water. Price: £438. (brita.co.uk)
BELOW: The Flex is a boiling water and mixer tap
in one. It comes with a flexible pull-out hose for
hot, cold and filtered cold water. This matt black
finish disguises the appearance of fingerprints
and smudges. Price: £1,490. (quooker.co.uk)

ABOVE: The
Essence single-
lever mixer
tap is shown
here in Warm
Sunset, priced
at £430.63.
(grohe.co.uk)
LEFT: The
Belfast ceramic
sink is under-
mounted and
displayed here in
glazed white. It
has a single bowl
and a timeless
design, teamed
with the Astbury
single-lever
chrome tap. The
sink is priced
at £325, while
the tap costs
£354. (abode
designs.co.uk)

RIGHT: The
Grohe K1000
stainless steel
single-bowl sink
costs £1,149.95,
shown here
flush-mounted
into the work
surface for a
seamless finish.
It is combined
with the Chrome
K7 mixer with
spray, which
is priced at
£469.95.
(victorian
plumbing.co.uk)

Selfbuildanddesign.com / MARCH 2022 65

FOCUS KITCHEN SINKS & TAPS

FAR LEFT: Located close to
the hob in the kitchen island and
perfect for food preparation, the
Blanco Andano under-mounted
stainless steel sink is shown with
a minimalist chrome Blanco
Linus tap. Price on application.
Kitchens International complete
kitchens start from £15,000.
(kitchensinternational.co.uk)
LEFT: Featuring pull-down
rinse and a textured handle
in aged brass, the Armstrong
bridge mixer costs from £977.52.
(perrinandrowe.co.uk)
RIGHT: The Aspekt single bowl
and drainer are shown here
in black metallic, made from
composite granite. They are inset
and compact, at just 716mm in
overall length, and here paired
with the Genio semi-professional
tap in a chrome finish, which
offers a great deal of flexibility
with its pull-around hose feature.
Price: £374 for the sink and £335
for the tap. (abodedesigns.co.uk)

piece of material as the worktop. Although this can be RIGHT: Rangemaster’s
expensive, it offers a seamless, hygienic surface with no Austell ceramic single-
joint lines. For those wanting a more traditional vibe, a bowl reversible inset sink
farmhouse sink is a good option. Large and usually made is shown in white paired
from a durable and easy-to-clean ceramic installed on top with the Abode Althia
of a cabinet with an exposed front, farmhouse sinks are single-lever monobloc
particularly useful if you wash a lot of large pots and pans, mixer tap in brushed
although they can be heavy and take some time to fill. brass. Price: from £360
for the sink and £211 for
 Most commonly made from ceramic or a low-maintenance the tap. (benchmarx
stainless steel, which is resistant to rust and stains if looked kitchens.co.uk)
after properly but can be noisy and prone to scratching, other BELOW: Created from
less common materials include an antibacterial composite one piece of Silestone,
granite or a striking marble or copper. Sinks generally the Integrity sink has
come in a single-, double- or 1½-bowl format, often with no weak areas or joints
the addition of a drainer. A double bowl is ideal for bigger and integrates perfectly
families, while the extra half-bowl can be for food preparation, with a Silestone worktop
rinsing and waste disposal while the main basin is in use. of choice. Extremely
hygienic and highly
 Any new sink will need a tap, which can either be resistant to scratches,
deck- or wall-mounted for a less cluttered feel. A stains and heat, prices
combination of function and style will make the right start from around £800.
statement for your kitchen. Whether it is curved (cosentino.com)
or rectangular, L- or U-shaped, finished in a classic
stainless steel or chrome or an eye-catching copper
or matt black, there are countless forms available.

 A monobloc mixer comprises a spout with two handles
for hot and cold water – a simple choice which calls for a
single tap hole. A single-lever mixer requires the user to
control the water temperature with one lever. For added
flexibility and ease of cleaning, a pull-out spray tap is
a great choice as it reaches all corners effectively.

 For added convenience, particularly ideal for busy
kitchens, an instant boiling water tap might be for you.
Although expensive at first, it will become cost- and energy-
efficient over time. Quick and simple to use, extra safety
mechanisms are in place for homes with small children.

 Whether you desire a traditional sink and tap
combination or fancy mixing it up with styles and
colours, there are plenty of options on the market.

66 MARCH 2022 / Selfbuildanddesign.com

TOP: Under-mounted with a satin
finish, the 1½- bowl KVC35 sink
(guide price: £250) is made from
stainless steel and is paired here
with the TV14BL tap (guide price:
£150.99), which features a brushed
steel body and a black pull-out spout
with 360-degree rotation. (cda.eu)
ABOVE: Available in left- and
right-hand configurations and a
choice of six colours, the RAK-Dream
ceramic sink has a surface that
flows seamlessly down to the bowl
area, ensuring effective draining.
Price: £358. (rakceramics.com)
FAR LEFT CENTRE: The
Gallery Butler 800 sink is shown
here in metallic gold. Price: from
£788.76. (shawsofdarwen.com)
LEFT: The S711-F450 built-in single-
bowl sink comes in stainless steel.
Price: £917.86. (hansgrohe.co.uk)
FAR LEFT: Dornbracht’s range of
infrared touch-free taps comes in
chrome, platinum or a choice of six
matt finishes. Installation is simple,
and the fittings include integrated
sensory technology and an automatic
switch-off function for cost-effective
and eco-friendly functioning. Price
on application. (dornbracht.com)

Selfbuildanddesign.com / MARCH 2022 67

FOCUS KITCHEN SINKS & TAPS LEFT: The Blanco Andano
under-mounted double stainless
ABOVE: The Quooker Classic steel sink is paired here with
Fusion boiling water tap is shown a Blanco Culina-S mixer tap.
here in the new Patinated Brass This semi-professional single-
finish. With age and exposure, lever monobloc mixer tap has
the surface and texture change, two jet types and is shown is
giving each tap a unique chrome. Price on application.
aesthetic. Displayed in a square Kitchens International complete
design, its spout rotates 360 kitchens start from £15,000.
degrees, with insulation ensuring (kitchensinternational.co.uk)
it is not too hot to touch. Price: BELOW: Shown in a new matt
£1,590. (quooker.co.uk) black finish, the Kubus KNG
RIGHT: Ideal for a traditionally Fragranite under-mounted single-
styled kitchen, the Gourmet bowl sink is treated with Franke’s
double-bowl sink is generous Antimicrobial Sanitised technology
in size and is made from a which reduces bacteria and
durable white ceramic. Price: microbe growth by 99 per cent and
£363. (rakceramics.com) is backed by a 50-year guarantee.
RIGHT: The Sandon 1½- bowl Pictured is the 110-62 model,
ceramic sink is under-mounted which costs £561. (franke.co.uk)
but also comes in an inset
version. The Astbury monobloc
tap boasts a curvaceous shape
in forged brass, adding a touch
of glamour to the kitchen. Price:
£434 for the sink and £426 for
the tap. (abodedesigns.co.uk)
FAR RIGHT: Shown with
the Abode Atlas single-lever
monobloc tap in matt black
(price: from £382), the
Abode Xcite single-bowl inset
composite sink is finished in
black metallic and priced from
£218. (benchmarxkitchens.co.uk)

68 MARCH 2022 / Selfbuildanddesign.com

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INTERVIEW

Earth-friendly
architecture

Tell us about your childhood home RIGHT: Ian Armstrong
The ARCO2 is co-founder
I’m a proud Cornishman and have never ventured too far team outside and director
out of the county. I grew up in a couple of homes, and when their eco office. of ARCO2
I was a teenager my parents – a nurse and a policeman Architecture,
- bought a new brick house where they are still living BELOW & an award-
now. There aren’t too many brick houses in Cornwall, so BOTTOM winning
in some ways this one doesn’t quite fit. It’s on an estate, LEFT: Ian’s Cornwall-
with some of the other houses built by selfbuilders and own uncertified based practice,
small contractors, so we got to see it being built. Passivhaus formed in 2003
self build. to specialise
What inspired you to become an architect? in sustainable
Forestry Commission building, which we stripped and healthy
The person who built on the plot opposite my parents’ back and used as a demo, using straw bales, locally buildings. Ian
house was an architect, building his own home, so this sourced timber cladding and recycled materials. is a certified
may have subliminally inspired me. Back in those days Passive House
there was no internet, so there wasn’t too much accessible Our commissions gradually grew but were mainly low- designer and
careers information out there, and it was suggested that cost, low-tech, school and community projects at the start. has delivered
I might want to go into graphic design by the school We developed our own prefabricated building system numerous
career’s advisor. I was determined to be an architect, using straw bales, green roofs, and sheep wool insulation, lectures on
though, even if I didn’t fully understand what it meant! and began taking on more one-off, high-end houses. sustainability.
(arco2.co.uk)
Work experience at the local council office was Setting up ADD Sustainable Construction with Nathan’s
awful. I was mainly photocopying and making cups of brother, Matt Davis, meant we could offer our clients a full
tea, although they did allow me to design an overflow design and build package, from conception to completion,
car park for about 20 cars. It made me realise that I although we do still work with local contractors, as
definitely didn’t want to work there and do that. we now have so many exciting and varied projects.

At Plymouth University School of Architecture I took a
keen interest in sustainability and studied conservation for
my postgrad diploma. At the end of my degree I needed
work experience but only received two responses from
80 companies as we were just coming out of a recession.
One offer of work in Bude only paid my expenses, but I
found the office interesting – although not as fun and
dynamic as I would have liked. Then I worked for two years
at a practice learning how I didn’t want to do business!

How was ARCO2 founded

Nathan Davis, a friend who was also studying architecture
at the same university, came to work at the practice.
We’re both passionate about sustainable architecture,
and as there weren’t many opportunities in Cornwall at
the time, we took a huge gamble and decided to set up
our own practice specialising in sustainability. The name
ARCO2 is a fusion of ‘architecture’ and ‘CO2’, with the aim
being to reduce carbon emissions in our architecture.

We started out working from Nathan’s parents’
loft and then expanded into an old timber-framed

70 MARCH 2022 / Selfbuildanddesign.com

ABOVE &
RIGHT:
Gwithian
Towans beach
house.

ABOVE: There are nine of us in the practice, working together piece of land, so I talked Nathan into joining me and we
ARCO2’s latest as a team in an open-plan office, and many have bought it together. Now we are friends, neighbours, and
low-energy completed their own projects and live sustainable business partners. The house is built using local stone
property in lifestyles. Our aim is to reduce carbon emissions through and Cornish timber, with an affordable corrugated fibre
Mawgan Porth. design, and each member of the team has hands- cement roof to reflect the rural setting. My father-in-law,
on building experience in creating some of the most Charlie Faber, worked with me to build Velidhu, and we
BELOW: sustainable properties in Cornwall and the region. brought in a few specialist trades. It took three years of
Waterhouse working in the evenings and weekends, and I designed the
on the Camel After my disappointing work experience with the building so that it would eventually pay us to live there.
Estuary. council, I didn’t want to offer a poor experience, so we
take in several students for a week every year and set As with all our projects, it is based on Passivhaus
them a project. Several have gone on to pursue careers in principles, with MVHR, rainwater recovery, solar panels,
architecture and some have come back to work for us. triple glazing, high levels of insulation, and a passive
solar sunspace. As this can overheat massively, it has
Tell us more about your ethos been kept outside the main heated envelope of the
house so that it can be ventilated. Energy consumption
Cornwall is an amazing and varied location. So often the over the past five years has proved that the house
houses we design have beautiful settings which come with is a successful non-certified Passive House.
their own restrictions, such as Areas of Outstanding Natural
Beauty, which means their visual impact is quite a big issue. We have a 16-year-old son and a 13-year-old
We had resisted attempting to design certified Passive daughter, and the house works well for a growing
Houses because often they can appear box-like and are family and has been a test bed for various ideas.
not respectful of the landscape. We didn’t want to lose the The whole experience was intended to educate our
soul and integrity of the practice, and saw it as a challenge, children about sustainability and how to live a more
so we follow the main principles but still design site- sustainable lifestyle, which was successful - however,
specific, low-energy, healthy homes. In some cases, these it also put them off wanting to become architects.
are built above and beyond Passivhaus requirements.
The land adjoining ours was being sold as commercial
Describe your own home premises, so we purchased it and set up an inspirational
sustainable self-build scheme. Gaining planning consent
My dream was always to design and build my own for a change of use to residential took years and was a
house, and I stumbled across a large plot of land in complete and utter nightmare. Eventually planning policy
a rural setting, but the owner wouldn’t sell a smaller changed and the brownfield site was granted consent for
10 sustainable self-build plots – becoming a pilot scheme
for Cornwall, and of national significance, with nothing else
quite like it. Friends and family bought the land at below
market rate and have been building their dream homes.

Do you have any tips for selfbuilders?

Embrace sustainability. It is a wide subject, but as well as
promoting health and well-being, sustainable architecture
saves money on energy bills and reduces harmful emissions,
creating a cleaner environment and improved mental well-
being. Ethically and morally it’s the right choice and should
be the guiding principle for how all buildings are made.
(arco2.co.uk)

Selfbuildanddesign.com / MARCH 2022 71

How to build a ferrocement water tank

Since building their own concrete tanks three years ago, Felicity Lee and Daniel Colman
have been able to meet all their water needs for their off-grid self build in France. In their new

book they explain the simple process, which was cheaper than connecting to the mains.

Our introduction to ferrocement tanks it potentially unstable, and hard to access take into account the roof of the tank and
came about as a result of thorough research for both construction and cleaning. its slope (5°–15°), and the shoulder point at
for our off-grid straw-bale house. which the uprights bend in towards each other,
You will probably opt for a tank which is creating the tank roof and opening which is
Faced with a plot with absolutely nothing roughly head height or a touch higher, with a usually 70cm in diameter to allow access.
on it, we had the opportunity to implement all diameter to meet your capacity requirements.
our systems from scratch. This left a choice: to With a tank height of two metres, the
join the services, including water, or to muddle The best starting point is the radius of first hoop will be only 10cm above the
through until the house was in a state where the tank floor. Start with a guesstimate here foundation to give extra strength at this
it was able to catch water, ideally with a roof. and keep playing with the numbers until you critical wall/foundation junction. Removing
reach your target volume. If you already know this 10cm from the calculation, the remaining
We chose the latter but it wasn’t without your height parameter this can really help. height can be divided into 30cm gaps.
its challenges to begin with, whereby we Radius (cm) = Diameter (cm) ÷ 2
accessed water from the municipal tap in Surface area of tank floor (square 1.9m ÷ 0.3m equals 6.3. This means that
jerrycans for the first couple of years until metres) = Pi x radius x radius ÷ 10,000 seven hoops will be needed for the tank
the house was able to capture rainwater. Tank volume (litres) = surface area of (rounded upwards as the material cost is low).
tank floor (m2) x height (m) x 1,000
This initial period served us well, Rebar usually comes in 6m lengths. For this
demonstrating exactly how much water we Put these equations into a spreadsheet if tank, rebar with a diameter of 1cm is preferable.
used on a weekly basis (150 litres). From this you like, then you can play around with the If the circumference of the hoops is greater
standpoint it was possible to project how dimensions until you get what you want. than 5m it will be necessary to extend the
much water we needed as a minimum. hoop by making it out of two pieces. With our
The cage 6,031l tank, which has a circumference of 6.15m,
We doubled this figure. And then using the each hoop requires one full 6m length of rebar
square meterage of the roof, worked out how The cage consists of upright pieces of rebar plus a 1.15m piece to overlap. Overlaps need
much we could capture across the year. Finally, together with horizontal hoops. As a rule, to be firmly secured with three wire ties.
armed with the knowledge of the longest dry the gaps between rebar should be no more
period (16 weeks), we then knew right down to than 30cm, apart from at the bottom, where Try to make the hoops circular. Inevitably,
the litre, how much we needed to store. Then the first horizontal hoop will sit much closer there will be kinks and bends, but they tend to
came the big question, what is the best way to to the bottom of the foundation, being even themselves out once the tank goes up.
store the rainwater safely, securely and on our only 10cm above the foundation cement The larger hoops which require two pieces of
shoestring budget? The options were various, adding extra strength to the critical floor/ rebar have the advantage that two or three
the Rolls Royce of storage being stainless steel, wall junction. As an example, for a 6,031L tank hoops can be left incomplete leaving a gap
another option being underground plastic vats, it is necessary to have the circumference to in the side of the tank which can be used
and, well, our ultimate choice, ferrocement tanks. hand, in this case it is 1.96m x 3.14 = 6.15m. for access during the plastering phase.
Diameter (cm) x pi (3.14159) = circumference.
The combination of cheap, easily available The foundation consists of concentric
materials, margin for error, suitability for This is then divided by 30cm (0.3m) to give circles of rebar, the outermost of which
amateurs and flexibility in terms of size and the correct spacings, which works out at a is the same size as the other horizontal
shape, makes ferrocement tanks an ideal total of 20.5 uprights (rounded down to 20). hoops. The rest become subsequently
choice for anyone looking for long-term water Remember, the upright measurement must smaller, following the 30cm spacing rule.
security on a budget. Of course the flip side is
this option requires getting your hands dirty. Material requirements All of the wall uprights will need to be fixed
The required labour is substantial, but with a to steel protruding 50cm from the foundation
few practical skills and a little perseverance, it is • 8mm or 10mm steel rebar once the concrete is set. So make sure the
perfectly possible to achieve water security for • Galvanised wire, ideally 3mm, number and spacing of your right angled pieces
a minimal cost. We built two tanks for less than for securing the rebar and matches up to the number and spacing of the
the cost of joining the local water network. attaching the chicken wire uprights you’ll need for the tank wall. Be sure
• Chicken wire with the smallest gaps you to cover these sticking up pieces of rebar on
Getting started can find to ease the plastering process the work site, as they can be dangerous. The
• Builders’ or plastering sand right angled bars will be cut to a variety of
The two most important considerations with any • 20mm gravel for the foundation mix lengths along the foundation bottom. Some
tank installation are the size and location. The tank • Cement in 25kg bags will reach all the way to the centre point.
should be situated below a gutter and can benefit • Plentiful supply of water for cement and
from gravity by being located above where also cleaning and keeping new plaster wet The pour
you intend to use it. Are there any tree roots • Tarpaulin(s) to protect the
which could interfere with the tank, or even be tank from sun or frost. Dig a hole 80cm wider than your tank diameter
damaged by the work to be carried out? Is there to allow some working space for plastering
decent, solid subsoil or bedrock for the tank? Go down to solid subsoil or rock. Make a hoop
the size of the tank circumference, including
Our two potable tanks of 8,000 and 3,000 an overlap that is 50 x the rebar diameter, with
litres provide all our domestic water. We have a low three wire ties holding the overlap in place.
consumption household with a dry toilet and have Place the ring in the centre of the hole.
become very conscious of our usage. The size of
your tank will depend on the longest dry period, Make and place another, smaller hoop,
the average rainfall, and your water consumption. 30cm closer to the centre of the foundation
hole, then repeat – you will end up with three
Making a low, wide cylinder isn’t advisable, or four concentric hoops evenly spaced
due to the reduced material efficiency of a at intervals of no more than 30cm.
taller tank, increasing exposure to the sun
and having to build bigger foundations. Make as many right angle pieces as you have
uprights in your walls. These will protrude from
Equally, a high, narrow cylinder is unwise the concrete foundation once it is poured and
too, as the height of the structure makes be used to fix the uprights for the tank walls.

72 MARCH 2022 / Selfbuildanddesign.com

DIY FERROCEMENT WATER TANK

Diagrams
showing
how the
cage for the
ferrocement
water tank is
constructed
using rebar
and wire mesh.

There is no need for all these pieces to reach the greatest pressure from the water will be on inside applies the cement by hand, pushing it
middle of the circle. Just size them appropriately, this junction between wall and floor, so this through the chicken wire, onto the two trowels
making sure the gaps between each piece of will give it plenty of strength. If your height outside. This will take some skill but you’ll get the
rebar are no bigger than 30cm. The smallest ones doesn’t divide neatly into these numbers, err hang of it. It won’t look like a finished product
should still be fastened to at least two hoops. on the side of caution and add an extra hoop. after this first coat – in fact, it will look a mess!

Tie all of the rebar together, in situ, using Attach the uprights to the protruding pieces This initial coat provides the structure
galvanised wire and pliers. Don’t fully tighten until from the now set foundation with at least three onto which the two final coats can be
you are happy with the position of all pieces. galvanised wire ties. Once attached the uprights carefully applied to achieve watertightness
can be persuaded towards vertical if needed. and an overall thickness of 4-5cm.
Place a drainpipe and fasten it to a piece of
rebar, making sure it is long enough to protrude Slide the first hoop on and fasten it using the Getting the first layer on the overhanging
from the foundation once poured and located wire. At this point it will be a tangle of rusty steel roof section can be a nightmare and you will
where you intend to slope the foundation. swaying about. Worry not, it will get better. benefit from having small-gauge chicken wire
and/or extra layers to give the mortar something
Using whatever wood and steel you have lying Slide on all hoops and secure with galvanised to adhere to. Remember this section doesn’t
around, hammer shuttering/concrete formwork wire and pliers, using a hammer or other tool actually come into contact with water so don’t
around the hole, about 10cm away from the to straighten and adjust, until it is approaching panic! Apply what you can, and allow excess
edge of the steel and at least 10cm deep. This something resembling a cylinder. Make a hoop/ to fall through. Once what has stuck has gone
will hold the concrete in position while you pour concentric hoops (depending on size) to off, it will provide a key for the next layers.
the pad, so make sure it is reasonably robust. attach all the roof pieces together, giving you
a hole which will be covered by your lid. It is Final coats
Place bits of broken tiles or small stones likely that the uprights will be protruding quite
under the foundation steel, making sure all of a bit into the lid space, but they can either be A day or two later your wobbly steel cage has
it is hovering off the ground and will allow the bent in and cemented in later or trimmed off. become a solid structure. For the finish coats,
poured concrete to encase all the steel. Aim for start with the outside, but it doesn’t really matter.
roughly 5cm off the ground uniformly, ensuring Hammer or bend in all the protruding
the rebar is above the ground by at least 3cm. bits of wire, otherwise they will be a Use the same mortar mix as before, and
nightmare when plastering. take your time and use the sprayer to keep
Pour the concrete foundation making sure the mortar workable while you get it smooth.
the depth is around 10cm and that all the steel Attach the chicken wire both inside and out Take care to push the mortar into crevices
is well covered by at least 3cm of concrete. We using either wire ties or a pair of hog ring pliers. and holes in the imperfect first coat and be
used one part cement, two parts sand, one Don’t hold back here, time spent on this stage sure to cover all metal work. Do as much as
part gravel, though we were quite cement- will make plastering much easier. Make the you can in one session to avoid cold joints,
heavy compared to other suggested mixes. chicken wire tight, without any huge gaps, or paying special attention to pipes and taps,
bulgy loose bits. It helps to have several pairs of as they need to be solid and watertight.
Smooth it out with a trowel as you go along, hands here to attach the chicken wire snuggly.
compressing and removing air bubbles. Try The tank can be sealed using some cement
and get the floor sloping towards the drain. Position and fasten all taps, pipes, overflows, powder mixed with water to form a paste roughly
inlets and outlets using galvanised wire again and the consistency of full-cream milk. Apply two
Once the foundation is poured, keep it twisting it against the rebar or the chicken wire. generous coats to the inside and one outside.
covered and spray it with water to keep it humid
as it cures, especially during hot dry weather. Plastering When the tank fills for the first time
check for any leaks. Some damp patches
Making the cage The mix for the mortar is one part cement to are inevitable, particularly on cold joints, but
three parts sand. Water will need to be added they will self-seal with time. If there are any
Cut all the upright rebar sections to the as necessary, depending on the dryness of areas of significant seeping, you’ll need to
desired length, remembering to firstly ensure the sand, humidity etc. Aim for a consistency empty the tank and repoint with plaster.
that they begin on or near the concrete slab so that a dollop of cement remains stuck to
with the first 40cm or so overlapping with the bottom of your trowel. Set everything Maintenance of your tank is relatively
the pieces protruding from the foundation up as ergonomically as possible whether easy. It takes about 45 minutes to clean,
base, and secondly to include the roof in your you are doing it by hand or with a mixer. having drained it first, and a lime wash
calculations. Bend them to create a shallow, will need to be applied every year.
sloped roof, making sure they are all the same. You will need one person inside the
Creating an angle between 95° and 105° will tank and another on the outside. This will Ferrocement Water Tanks
give you a roof slope of 5–15°, which is ideal. be tricky unless you have left a hole in the by Daniel Colman & Felicity
side as mentioned earlier and will require Lee, illustrated by Berre
Make the hoops, doing your best to make an access ladder in the hole at the top. Daneels is published by
them circular and making sure you have 50cm Permanent Publications.
of overlap. These should be spaced every Starting from the bottom, the person on the (permaculture.co.uk)
30cm up the tank except the first one, which outside holds two rectangular trowels firmly
should be 10cm above the foundation. The against the chicken wire, the person on the

Selfbuildanddesign.com /MARCH 2022 73

GREEN LIVING

Food waste to help heat over 150,000 homes

New air to water heat pump Food leftovers from across is now being produced There are now 19
Wales and south-west from Wales & West Utilities biomethane green gas
LG has launched the Therma V R32 Monobloc S England are helping to network to supply over production sites connected
air to water heat pump onto the UK market. produce enough green gas 150,000 homes, whilst to the gas network in Wales
The ’S’ stands for ‘silence’ and ‘supreme’ to to heat more than 150,000 also supporting greener and south-west England,
highlight its reduced noise level and best homes, new research shows. electricity production by with a further two sites
performance criteria. The launch coincides displacing natural gas. under construction. Forty-
with the availability in April of a £5,000 Data released by Energy seven ‘flexible generation’
government grant for heat pump installations Networks Association The gas produced is gas power plants are now
to replace fossil fuel heating systems. (ENA), as part of its first injected into Britain’s gas connected to Wales & West
ever annual Britain’s Green grid and is used for home Utilities gas network, which
New additions to the R32 include a compressor Gas Scoreboard, show that heating, industry and also support wind and solar farms
noise shield, a Black Fin coated heat exchanger, enough biomethane green to generate electricity, by providing electricity
a waterflow sensor and a water pressure gas, produced from food keeping the UK’s lights on when the sun isn’t shining
sensor. To comply with noise regulations, 9kW waste, along with cow dung in a greener way during the and the wind isn’t blowing.
units can be installed a minimum distance of and household sewage, long, dark winter nights.
four metres away from neighbouring houses,
and five metres away for 16kW units. RIBA finalists fall short of A-rating

The Monobloc S can achieve a seasonal None of the houses shortlisted for the energy, what message are we sending
coefficient of performance of up to 4.9 and a 2021 RIBA House of the Year award, when so little attention is focused on
A+++ rating. It complements LG’s Split, Hydro Split including the winner, has an A-rated exceptional technical performance?”
and High Temp Split units to provide low-carbon energy performance certificate.
heating solutions for almost any house type. Surprisingly half were D-rated or worse. Amin Taha, RIBA House of the Year 2021
jury chair, said: “It’s a little unfair to judge
New adaptive glass could cut Data collated by Hawkes Architecture designs conceived more than a decade ago
heat loss and energy usage showed that only one of the 20-strong by today’s expectations. EPC modelling
longlist of schemes in the running for the by M&E consultants at that time will have
An international team of researchers led RIBA accolade had achieved an A-rating. been a fair approximation, not a post-
by scientists from Nanyang Technological occupancy study as will be required by
University, Singapore, has developed a material The House on the Hilll, which won the the RIBA Awards process going forward.
that can alleviate the problem of heat loss award, achieved a EPC rating of D.
and excessive solar gain through windows. “Even then there’s still likely to be
Richard Hawkes, director of Hawkes a lag by some years. Possibly in four
A first-of-its-kind coating has been Architecture, told the Architects Journal that or five years’ time we’ll get closer to a
formulated which, when applied to the the practice recently started pulling together shortlist of structures that are carbon
surface of a glass window panel, can data ‘to track the energy performance negative with fractional running
effectively self adapt to heat or cool rooms. progress of projects which make it onto the costs to those completed today.”
top table at the annual housing awards’.
The coating automatically responds to Sandy Rendel of Sandy Rendel Architects,
changing temperatures by switching between “While there is no doubting the exceptional which designed the longlisted The Slot
heating and cooling. The self-adaptive aesthetic and intellectual quality of these House six years ago, said: “It is clear we
glass is developed using layers of vanadium works, it always feels more difficult to get to must all be going much further, not only in
dioxide nanoparticles composite, Poly(methyl the nuts and bolts of how well they perform improving energy performance but also
methacrylate) (PMMA), and low-emissivity technically,” he said. “What is surprising, in our understanding and mitigation of
coating to form a unique structure which can and somewhat disappointing, is that not a whole-life embodied carbon in our projects.
modulate heating and cooling simultaneously. single house on the shortlist has managed
to achieve an A-rated EPC certification.’ “Aside from the design side, lenders and
The newly developed glass, which has no warranty providers must also step up and
electrical components, works by exploiting Hawkes added: “In these times of climate be open to a move away from traditional
the spectrums of light responsible for heating awareness and need for revolutionary carbon-heavy construction techniques.”
and cooling. During summer, the glass change in the way we design to conserve
suppresses solar heating (near infrared
light), while boosting radiative cooling PROJECT ARCHITECTS EPC RATING ANNUAL CARBON
(long-wave infrared) to cool the room. In
the winter, it does the opposite, reducing Corner House 31/44 Architects B (85) 1.4 tonnes
heat loss and making interiors warmer. The Walled Garden McLean Quinlan A (101) -1.1 tonnes
Harbour House John Pardey Architects B (81) 3.1 tonnes
The research team carried out lab tests using House in Assynt Mary Arnold-Forster Architects C (70) 4 tonnes
an infrared camera, which demonstrated that House on the Hill Alison Brooks Architects D (55) 14 tonnes
the glass allowed a controlled amount of heat to House-within-a-House alma-nac C (78) 1.6 tonnes
emit in various conditions (room temperature Hove House Turner Works B (86) 5.5 tonnes
to above 70°C), proving its ability to react The Modern Oast ACME B (83) 3.0 tonnes
dynamically to changing weather conditions. Redhill Barn* TYPE Studio D (59) 6.1 tonnes
Pele Tower House* Woollacott Gilmartin Architects D (60) 11 tonnes
Nurula House John Pardey Architects B (82) 3.4 tonnes
The Slot House Sandy Rendel Architects B (83) 1.0 tonnes
The Water Tower by Tonkin Liu B (90) 1.1 tonnes
Weybridge House Wilkinson King Architects B (89) 3.6 tonnes
Wolds Barn ID Architecture B (83) 4.1 tonnes

Grain House Hayhurst & Co Architects

House for Theo & Oskar Tigg + Coll Architects

Kyle House Groves-Raines Architects

The Old School ArkleBoyce Architects

Simple House Haysom Ward Miller Architects * Renovation or conversion

74 MARCH 2022 / Selfbuildanddesign.com

BUILDING TRULY
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BUILDING MATTERS

SELF BUILD EXPLAINED Imperial Bricks meeting higher demand

with Phillip Fitzpatrick Imperial Bricks has shades with five to 20 per faces and characterful
arranged for a partner cent reds, while Regency overburns, is available
Phillip Fitzpatrick is a surveyor factory in Europe to Red Multi features in smaller quantities.
and project manager. He is produce its Regency mostly red bricks with
also author of the A Builder’s range to help address a small percentage of “Our new range is
Companion series. the general brick oranges. This natural ideal for new-build and
(abuilderscompanion.com) shortage in the UK. colour variation is refurb projects,” explains
the result of subtle Hughes. A tumbled option
The building inspector The factory is temperature changes – processed using new
producing in excess in the coal-fired kilns, facilities at its Bridgnorth
People are often unclear over the role of the building of six million bricks in which give the bricks base – replicates the look
inspector. They confuse the works being deemed imperial and metric their unique character. and appeal of reclaimed
as acceptable and meeting codes /regulations sizes to supplement bricks and is available on a
with some form of inspection approval. existing stock in the UK. Regency Chesham, slightly longer lead time.
Building inspectors do not: a by-product of these
• supervise building projects, “The new Regency blends featuring All of the bricks in
• determine the design, range has proven accentuated pale the range are F2 rated
• discriminate against ‘new solutions’, or very popular already for frost resistance.
• inspect your property for your benefit. with merchants and
our developer/self-
The building inspector protects the public from build customers,”
non-compliant construction. Building to code does not says Imperial’s MD,
mean you have built well, it means you meet the current Jason Hughes.
regulations/codes/requirements/parameters to comply.
Imperial’s Regency
The role of the building inspector starts when Orange Multi and
you are ready to commence construction and they Regency Red Multi are
will review and advise your team on the suitability soft-textured, handmade
of your proposals. They indicate the standards that bricks, with natural
the completed building must meet although they creasing on the face.
do not specify which materials you must use.
You need to prove compliance to these standards and Regency Orange
that your design proposals are appropriate. This can be Multi is a blend of
a very good discipline to focus you and your team on all predominantly orange
the available and acceptable options. This can improve
your building finish and sharpen your proposals. Screwfix Screwfix CEO John store, so our continued
expansion Mewett said: “Currently, expansion ensures we can
Balancing act ambitions 98 per cent of the bring Screwfix closer to
population lives within a even more customers.”
This could be termed as actively involved in directing Screwfix opened 70 30-minute drive of a UK (screwfix.com)
you to comply but passively involved in product new stores across the
selection or delivery. This is quite a balancing act but UK and Ireland in 2021,
somehow the system works if we all understand our creating 700 new jobs in
roles. In some areas you need their formal authorisation the process. The latest
to commence works, while in others you only need announcement is positive
their confirmation of compliance on completion. news for the retailer’s
overall expansion plans
One of the features of modern life is the number of to have a total of 1,000
people and organisations involved in producing a single stores. The target was
house. How many items must be put together to build raised from 900 earlier
to code and to also build well? The problems do not end in 2021, after it identified
with the purchase of the products. You are concerned opportunities for stores
with their storage and how you ensure their installation in inner cities and rural
is of a high quality. What standards must you meet? catchment areas.

Matters do not end there. After installation other Free ventilation design service
operatives follow on and drill, snip, push and pull their
products around the completed work and effectively National Ventilation, a duct routes, as well as
put at risk the progress made to date. The manager must UK-based manufacturer a pre-order site visit
ensure protection is in position or repairs are in place and supplier, has where necessary.
to safeguard previously completed work or areas. launched a new house
ventilation design service To take up the
The builder has to take the approved design and for design and build service, drawings can
create this vision in a physical form on an open piece projects, with a dedicated be uploaded onto the
of land. They alone are responsible for the quality of specification team. National Ventilation
construction and must, through material and installation website so the design
compliance, inspection and certification, show they have Aimed at architects, team can produce
achieved all they set out to do. At this point the work developers and builders, professional REVIT
will be certified as complete by the building inspector. the free service provides ventilation designs for
a whole-house ventilation the customer and provide
So, the building inspector is not part of your site design, with detail unit a step-by-step guide
management team or part of your design team. They are, calculations, a full kit to explain the process.
however, a resource. By including their views and listening list and recommended (nationalventilation.co.uk)
to their input you can greatly benefit. Understanding
what will technically be acceptable or confirming which
design options find favour can save you time and money.

Their role is to protect the public and, perhaps
indirectly, also protect you from yourself.

Selfbuildanddesign.com /MARCH 2022 77

A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO

thermal
insulation

Last autumn’s COP26 conference Peter Eade efficiency, good levels of insulation are The U-Values required by the
is a builder, crucial to achieving a high SAP rating. current Building Regulations are:
in Glasgow and the demonstrations project So whether you choose to build with External walls 0.18W/m2K
manager bricks and mortar, timber or steel Ground floor 0.13W/m2K
by Insulate Britain highlighted and author. framing, structural insulated panels Roof 0.13W/m2K
(SIPs) or insulated concrete formwork Windows (complete
the importance of well-insulated Right: Rock (ICF), you should aim to maximise window U-value) 1.4W/m2K
wool used the level of thermal insulation. Doors 1.0W/m2K
homes. Households in the UK and in lofts is an Glazed doors 1.2W/m2K
effective way There are no restrictions on how
Europe account for more than a of improving much insulation you can have. The Insulation methods
thermal thermal efficiency of the fabric of any
quarter of energy consumption efficiency. dwelling is measured in U-values. It is worth spending time checking
Below: The U-value of the outer fabric of online the wide choice of
and produce around one-fifth Glass fibre a dwelling is measured in W/m2K. insulation options on the market
insulation The lower the U-value number to find the right product for your
of greenhouse gas emissions. can be used the greater the insulation value. requirements and your pocket. The
in lofts, walls
Unfortunately, anyone living in and floors.
a house that was built before the
1960s is likely to have little or no
thermal insulation. Even new homes
will probably only be insulated to
the minimum level required by
Part L1A (Conservation of Fuel and
Power) of the Building Regulations.

Selfbuilders have a distinct
advantage here. Building a house from
scratch means their finished home
can be airtight and well insulated,
reducing their carbon footprint
and saving on spiralling energy
costs. Needless to say, it should also
surpass Building Regs requirements.

All buildings need to demonstrate
that they conform to Building
Regs and a SAP test is part of that
requirement. SAP stands for ‘standard
assessment procedure’ and is the
only approved system for assessing
the energy rating of a new home.

As a selfbuilder, it is wise to have
a SAP assessor on board at the
design stage to ensure that your new
home will get an approved rating.
Without it, Building Control won’t
sign off a completion certificate.
Most extensions and conversions
also require a SAP rating.

Although the assessment procedure
covers a lot more than just thermal

78 MARCH 2022 / Selfbuildanddesign.com

ADVICE THERMALINSULATION

following are the more commonly effective as thermal insulation by Top left: in cavity walls. Rigid foam is available
used forms of insulation. reflecting heat back into the house Multifoil as SIPs which are formed by bonding
and keeping the cold out. In summer insulation is the foam to timber sheeting which
Glass fibre it provides an effective barrier to easy to install can then be used structurally.
solar overheating thus reducing and has a
This is the most common form the need for cooling systems. thin profile. There are various types of rigid
of insulation used in new house Top right: foam available. It is considered to be
construction. It usually comes in rolls. Rigid foam Glass combustible and if it is used within
It is easy to install and has a good fibre wall a house, any exposed surfaces need
environmental rating. It offers high This comes in sheets and is insulation. to be protected by plasterboard or
thermal insulation qualities and is available in various thicknesses. It is Above: a similar fire retardant material.
non-flammable. It is the most cost extensively used as an efficient floor Rigid foam
effective when compared with the insulation and can also be effective insulation. Sprayed foam
alternatives but it is a serious irritant
and needs to be handled with respect: Sprayed foam is installed by
gloves and a mask are essential. specialists. As it is applied it
expands and becomes solid as the
Mineral wool mixture cures. It is generally used
in existing properties as a method
A good alternative to glass fibre of providing insulation to the
as it is denser and performs well. underside of a roof structure by
It provides both higher sound and being sprayed between the rafters.
thermal insulation and is a very
effective fire safety measure as it Loose fill insulation
is resistant to both heat and fire.
This is typically installed in wall
Aluminium multilayer quilting cavities and attics/lofts of existing
dwellings. It is pumped in under
This highly efficient insulation can pressure via a flexible pipe. The
be used in almost all situations and is insulation takes the form of particles
probably the top choice. Due to the of cellulose, fibreglass and mineral
special composition of multilayers rock wool which are all produced
of insulation, it effectively deals from recycled materials. Because
with all forms of energy transfer. it is in particle form it can be
It is highly efficient at reflecting placed easily into tight spaces
infrared radiation and is very without disturbing structures.

Selfbuildanddesign.com / MARCH 2022 79

SOURCING
SUPPLIERS

FOR YOUR
DREAM HOME?

The National Custom & Self Build Association MAKE SURE YOU
campaigns to remove the barriers to more people LOOK OUT FOR THESE
in the UK building their own home. Look out
for the NaCSBA stamp and be assured that NACSBA STAMPS
you’ll be working with a company you can trust.

l All members are committed to working with
self- builders in a fair and transparent manner

l All members are funding the growth of the sector
so more people can have an individual home

l All members are covered by NaCSBA’s consumer
Code of Practice – to protect you if things go wrong

A FULL LIST OF MEMBERS CAN BE FOUND AT:

www.selfbuildportal.org.uk/members

ADVICE LEGAL

Ask our

LEGAL EXPERT

Property law specialist Guy Elyahou answers your legal questions.

Selling an incomplete project with contracts in place

Q In 2018 I purchased a plot with An assignment of a contract is where Don’t be surprised if the buyer
the intention of completing you pass the contract on to the purchaser, requests some form of indemnity
a self-build project. for example the receipt of the materials or for any liabilities that may have been
We started the build in 2021 despite labour. The burden of the contract, ie the incurred by you before the date that
all the obstacles associated with the payment obligations, will remain with you. the contracts were novated to them.
lockdowns due to Covid. Initially, I carried
out as much work as I could myself. I later An assignment tends to be used once The purchaser should examine all the
entered into a building contract. Due to a project is completed, because until the contract documents to ensure that there
external pressures – mainly financial (I lost practical completion date there are burdens are no hidden liabilities that they might
my job once the furlough period ended) on the client (you) during the project be liable for further down the line.
– I am unable to complete the build. term which you cannot pass on, notably
the interim payments to the contractor. It Novation requires the consent of
I entered into purchasing agreements is also important to note that you cannot all the parties to the contract. If you
for white goods and building materials. assign your right to sue another party. have a good relationship with the
This was because of the scarcity of raw suppliers and contractors and there
materials during Covid and I wanted to The format will be a short two- or are no outstanding liabilities, then this
protect myself from price increases. three-page agreement between you and should be fairly straightforward. From a
the person to whom you are assigning contractor’s perspective they will want to
I am now unable to finance the build the contract. Unless there are any ensure a smooth transition of employer
and am looking to sell the incomplete express restrictions in the contract, the so that they will continue to receive
project. Whilst I think that I have a payments to project completion.
buyer, I am stuck with the agreements "Your first task is to
that I have already made and other legal have a look at the It is in the contractor’s interest to
and financial commitments. These bind terms and conditions agree to a novation as it ensures a
me as an individual and won’t transfer of the contracts to smooth transition to completion and,
with the sale of the house. Am I right see whether there more importantly, continued cash flow.
in thinking that the planning consent are any restrictions The form of a novation agreement is a
relates to the project and not myself? to either assigning three-page document between all the
or novating the parties to the original building contract.
What should I do with the contracts
that I have signed (plant rental, contract." The final thing to consider is whether
builder, supply of materials etc) if there are any other interested parties
I do go ahead with the sale? contractor doesn’t need to be a party or third party agreements that need
to the agreement, although it would to be taken into account. I understand
A The first step is to consider what be prudent to give written notice of you are funding the development
contracts you have entered into in the assignment to the contractor. yourself. However, if you had a funding
respect of the development. You agreement then you must discharge all
have supplied a list, but there may be other You could assign the contract before your liabilities under this agreement.
less obvious ones that are easy to overlook. completion, but then you would be in
the odd position of having to manage In my experience it is in everyone’s
As you have already highlighted, the burden of the contract (payments) interest to novate the contracts as it
the contracts you have entered whilst relieving yourself of the benefits ensures continuity. The new owner
into for the supply of materials and (completed development). will also want the works done on time
other services are personal to you; and to a satisfactory standard, and
however, there are mechanisms to Your second and more realistic provided they are happy with the works
transfer these to the new buyer. option is to novate the building so far, then there is no reason not to
contract to the purchaser. continue with the existing contractor.
There are two options that your solicitor
will probably advise you on when you In a novation, the buyer simply steps
come to complete the sale. The first is an into your shoes as the employer under
assignment of the contracts and the second the building contract or other contracts
is a novation. Under these circumstances for the supply of materials or labour.
the only real option that I would advise is Accordingly, they take both the benefit
a novation of the contracts (see below). and the burden of the contracts.

Your first task is to have a look at the
terms and conditions of the contracts to
see whether there are any restrictions to
either assigning or novating the contract.
You will normally find these restrictions
towards the end of the contract.

Selfbuildanddesign.com / MARCH 2022 81

PLANNING A SELF BUILD, LOFT
CONVERSION, OR EXTENSION?

Want to know what to budget? Upload your plans and get a
no-obligation quote
Need a transparent, independently
calculated figure to compare against Send us your planning or Building Regs
building firm quotations? drawings either via the uploader on our
website or email.
Need detailed costs and cashflow to
secure finance? We’ll then quote you a no-obligation fee
and delivery date.
The Cost My Self Build Estimating Service can
provide all the costs for constructing your self- On approval the experienced estimator,
build, extension, loft, barn or garage conversion. dedicated to your project, will get to work.
Your promptly-produced estimate will cover
every last brick tie and tube of mastic, and every Your online Estimate Pack will include a
hour that the brickies, plasterers, roofers etc. detailed cost breakdown, material
will be on site. Mini diggers, skips… Nothing’s schedule, labour schedule, indicative build
missed. programme and cash flow projection.

Importantly, the impartial, professionally- Our friendly, value-for-money estimating
produced estimate will put you in control of service ticks all the boxes, so why not give us a
your project. call or drop us an email.

Visit: www.costmyselfbuild.co.uk
Email: [email protected]
Call: 0117 916 7878

YOUR ESTIMATING
SERVICE

FINANCE MORTGAGES

Finance

A guide to self-build mortgage lenders

The table below, while not exhaustive, is a guide to the lenders that
offer self-build mortgages and the range of products available.

LENDER’S NAME Contact Max LTV on land Stage required Max LTV during Final LTV land
for first payment construction and building

Beverley BS 01482 881510 Not on land Wall plate Max 75% Max 75%
Max 85% Max 80%
Buckinghamshire BS* 0345 223 4888 Max 80% Land Max 85% Max 80%
Max 85% Max 80%
Chorley BS* 0345 223 4888 Max 85% Land Max 80% Max 75%
Max 75% Max 75%
Darlington BS* 0345 223 4888 Max 85% Land Max 80% Max 80%
Max 80% Max 80%
Dudley BS* 0345 223 4888 Max 80% Land Max 80% Max 80%
Max 80% Max 80%
Earl Shilton BS 01455 844422 Max 75% Land Max 85% Max 85%
Max 85% Max 85%
Ecology BS 01535 650770 Max 80% Land Max 80% Max 80%
Max 70% Max 75%
Halifax 0345 727 3747 Not on land 1st floor level Max 100% Max 80%
Max 85% Max 75%
Hanley Economic BS 01782 255000 Max 80% Land Max 80% Max 80%
Max 75% Max 75%
Loughborough BS 01509 631950 Max 80% Land Max 80% Max 80%
0345 223 4888 Max 85% Land Max 75% Max 80%
Mansfield BS*•
Supplied by moneyfacts.co.uk
Newcastle BS* 0345 223 4888 Max 85% Land
0345 223 4447 Max 80% Land
Nottingham BS•

Progressive BS 028 9024 4926 Not on land Footings

Saffron BS 0800 072 1100 Max 80% Negotiable

Stafford Railway BS* 0345 223 4888 Max 85% Land

Suffolk BS* 0330 123 0773 Max 80% Negotiable

Melton BS 01664 414141 Max 75% Land

Ulster Bank ulsterbank.com Not on land 1st floor level

Vernon BS 0161 429 6262 Max 75% Land

NOTES: •Via Intermediaries through BuildLoan. * Through Buildstore Financial Services Ltd.

Royal Bank of Scotland offers finance via a bridging loan facility. Ecology BS will lend on ecologically designed houses only.

What is a self-build mortgage? mortgage lender won’t release any more immediately improve and could put
A self-build mortgage is specifically money until the stage is completed. you in a lower LTV bracket.
designed for those looking to build their
own home. It is different from a residential Building a home is often cheaper than A self-build mortgage will normally
mortgage in that money is released in buying a house but unexpected costs can only need to last for as long as it takes
stages as the house is built to reduce the arise. It is important to remember with a to build the house. It can be as short
risk for lenders and to ensure that the self build, you will have to deal with any as two years, but remember if you
money being lent is used for the purpose problems yourself, for example, managing want to pay off your mortgage early,
of construction. However, in some cases any unexpected costs or overspend, or you will often incur a penalty fee.
lenders will offer residential mortgage rates dealing with unreliable contractors.
for those looking to build their own homes. Do you need a deposit for
Are self-build mortgages a self-build mortgage?
How does a self-build more expensive? Just as with a residential mortgage, you do
mortgage work? Yes. Because a self-build mortgage need a deposit for a self-build mortgage.
A self-build mortgage provides you is usually a higher risk for mortgage The deposit amounts vary depending
with the money for everything to build lenders, the rates are normally higher on the lender, but the average deposit
your home, which can include anything than with a typical or equivalent loan- needed is between 20 and 25 per cent.
from buying building materials to paying to-value (LTV) residential mortgage.
contractors and workers. The money will This is why it is a good idea to remortgage Can you buy a plot of land
only be released once specific stages of once the house is completed (bearing in using a self-build mortgage?
the house are complete, for example, once mind any early repayment charges and the The option to buy a plot with a self-
the foundations are laid, to ensure that cost of any new fees for the remortgage). build mortgage varies depending on the
the funds are used solely for the purpose In addition, you may find that once the lender. If you need to use the funds to
of building a house. If you go over budget property is complete, if the valuation buy land make sure you check that this
and cannot complete the next stage, your has increased since you started your is possible with the lender before taking
new build project, your LTV will also out the loan. (moneyfacts.co.uk)

Selfbuildanddesign.com / MARCH 2022 83

A perfect
plot?

New plot hunters Rob and Pam Ottway
have just begun their quest to find the
perfect site. They like the look of a plot
with planning permission and want to
know if it could be suitable for them.
Roy Speer went to visit the site.

The plot is in a pretty Devon up from the south, there aren’t identified a few possibilities extending out slightly over
village, near the Somerset that many cars passing mid- which they feel might suit the slope down to the river
border, not far from Exmoor morning and it’s quiet. The their needs, including this plot and accessed from a door
National Park. The village valley beyond the river rises advertised on PlotBrowser. in the kitchen and sliding-
has a good range of facilities, up again to the north where folding doors in the dining and
including primary school, post most of the village is located Planning permission sitting rooms. The existing
office, convenience store and and the plot has pleasant vehicle access point into the
other shops, pubs, restaurants views through the trees. The plot has full planning plot would be widened and
and places to stay. The centre permission granted in May visibility splays created on
is a Conservation Area and Surroundings 2020. The approved drawings either side. The splay to the
there are many listed buildings show a two-storey house east involves land belonging
and structures in the parish. The land rises steeply over with attached single garage, to a neighbouring owner. This
The village traces its roots the road and this slope is positioned at the western owner wrote a letter giving
to Roman and Saxon times. covered with mature trees. end of the level area. The permission to the applicant to
There’s a Norman castle and To the east, is woodland. ground floor has a kitchen, create the splay but said it was
12th-century church. Past To the west, the land slopes dining room and sitting room, for the applicant’s use only.
prosperity came from wool, down gently and there is a all on the north side taking The permission has 13
ponies and quarrying. The small estate of recently built advantage of the view, plus a conditions; four of which
M5 lies about 15 miles to the houses. It’s a tapering site utility room, WC and entrance relate to contamination. An
east, giving access to Bristol and a single house adjoins hall. On the first floor, are the initial report on contamination
and the M4 to the north-east. the western plot boundary, master bedroom with en suite was submitted with the
The plot is on a main road into set at an angle of about 45 bathroom and balcony and planning application. This
the village coming in to the degrees to make the most of three further bedrooms, all on concluded that the site
centre from the south-west. the view to the north-east. At the north side. One has an en was made-up ground and
the bottom of the slope are suite shower room and there special foundations would
Site a couple of grass fields with is also a family bathroom. need to be designed after
the river running between The main section of the further investigation but
The plot has an irregular them and the southern edge approved house design has there was a low risk of
shape and is just over a third of the main village beyond. a pitched slate roof and the contamination. The report
of an acre. It’s on a north- external wall finish is render. pointed out that the adjoining
facing hillside. The top part is Background This would resemble the site was developed without
level, there’s then a steep slope appearance of the houses the need for substantial
down to the River Batherm, Rob has just retired and he on the adjoining estate and slope stabilisation works.
which meanders through the and Pam are looking for a be typical of much Devon The planning permission
valley bottom below. The plot project to get their teeth into, housing. The garage has a conditions require an
was previously part of a quarry which will provide them with steep pitched roof tied into investigation and risk
and stone depot, this section the sort of home they have the main roof and should assessment and remediation
being used for storage of always wanted and represent provide a good amount of measures to be carried
stone. The top part is mostly a sound investment for the storage space if required. The out, if necessary.
hard surfaced and open. The future. They like the West site plan shows a curved deck
slope down to the river is Country and have no set
covered with scrub and trees. location where they would
There’s a bank and hedge on want to live. Ideally, they
the road frontage with a gate would like to find something
towards the western end. A close to the coast, although
post and rail fence marks the Exmoor is an attraction
western boundary and there’s for them too. Rob and Pam
a bank separating the level have started looking at plots
part of the site from the slope. but still have their existing
Although it’s on the main road house to sell. They have
been researching online and

84 MARCH 2022 / Selfbuildanddesign.com

ADVICE PLOT DOCTOR

Another condition says consulted on the application problem to building the DOCTOR’S
visibility splays of 2.4m x 120m and did not object to the house, such as rendering it DIAGNOSIS
to the west and 90m to the proposed use of a private financially unviable. The site
east have to be provided. A treatment system for drainage. seems to have been used for I like the location. The village
1.8m wall or fence has to be It would, nevertheless, be storage of stone rather than is off the beaten track in a
built on the western boundary prudent for Rob and Pam to any industrial processes and countryside location. The
between the new house and speak to the Environment the next-door site seems house has a view and only
the neighbouring one. The last Agency to check there would to have been developed all one immediate neighbour.
condition removes permitted be no problem with this. right. However, Rob and Pam It’s quiet while I’m here,
development rights. In the should, at least, get quotes for but I suggest Rob and Pam
decision notice, under the Access carrying out the investigation visit at other times of day,
reasons for giving permission, required by the planning such as during rush hours
it says a financial contribution On the face of it, access condition and indications to assess traffic levels.
towards public open space doesn’t seem to be a problem. of possible costs should
provision has to be made The application indicates remedial work be necessary. Being halfway up a hillside
and a legal agreement to pay that there was discussion has its advantages but the
the sum has been submitted. and agreement with the Ground conditions plot is on a north-facing
The agent’s particulars highway authority. Since slope and the hillside above
state that this payment there’s a condition relating The contamination report is tree covered. There’s also
has already been made. to visibility splays, it would suggests standard strip the woodland to the east.
be advisable to double- foundations aren’t likely to This makes me wonder how
Services check they can be provided. be appropriate and that some much sun they would get. It’s
In particular, the consent form of deeper foundation, overcast while I’m on site so
According to the sales of the neighbouring owner such as piles, will be needed not easy to tell but it doesn’t
particulars, an easement is required to create and to get down below the strike me as especially dark.
has been granted allowing maintain the eastern splay. made-up layer of ground.
for an electricity connection Whilst there’s a letter written The foundations will have The outlook of the main
to be made to a pole on the to the applicants, it does say to be custom designed after rooms is to the north too.
opposite side of the road. Foul the consent relates to them. I investigation into bearing Speaking of which, there are
drainage is to be provided by suspect this would be fine but capacity by an engineer. some trees on the bank down
a private treatment system it would be sensible, before It might be that survey to the river which partially
to be installed at the eastern committing to a purchase, information could be gathered block the view. The good
end of the site. The vendor to get written agreement in conjunction with the thing here is that the bank
believes a mains water supply from the adjoining owner. contamination investigation. is part of the ownership so
is available in the road. Rob and Pam could get quotes it would be possible to do a
Rob and Pam would need to Contamination for the design and installation bit of pruning or felling to
contact the various suppliers of the sort of foundations that enhance the outlook. There’s
to confirm availability of The report submitted with the will probably be required. nothing to suggest the trees
supplies and connection costs. application is encouraging. In are protected but it would
The Environment Agency was all likelihood, contamination Values be as well to make sure.
won’t present any fundamental
The guide price is £165,000. Something for Rob and
The agent suggests a Pam to think about is the
marketing price in the distance into the village and
region of £425,000 for the the absence of pavements
completed house, if it is should they wish to be able
built to a good specification to walk into the centre.
and finish. Houses in the
adjoining development have The planning permission
sold for £275k-350k in the looks okay and has a while
last few years. Those are left to run. The design of
mostly smaller properties on the approved house is in
smaller plots and are on an keeping with the estate but
estate so likely to be worth not exciting. If the vendors
less than a house on this got planning permission
plot. Rob and Pam should with a view to selling the
get some more views on the plot, I can understand why
value of the finished house they might have gone for a
for comparison and work out relatively neutral design. It
likely construction costs. is, though, possible this is
They should take into account what the planners wanted.
the foundation design and If Rob and Pam wanted to
construction costs and the tweak the design or do a
price of the contamination more significant redesign,
survey. I’m sure the financial it would be worth studying
contribution towards open the officer’s report on the
space has been paid but application and speaking to a
it would be an idea to get planning officer to see whether
written confirmation. there is any leeway. There
should be flexibility over the
internal layout but it currently
optimises the view. It may
be early days but this looks a
good site for a dream home.

Selfbuildanddesign.com / MARCH 2022 85

PLOTBROWSER – PICK OF THE PLOTS

UNLOCKING POTENTIAL

Grants Lock cottage is The cottage is not listed, unlike cottage, it has connections for mains
a fire-damaged lock- the bridge and lock outside. water, electricity and a telephone line,
keeper's home on the with septic tank drainage intact.
South Oxford Canal. room, bathroom and two store rooms,
with three bedrooms on the first
C onstructed in 1794 as a floor. Unusually for a remote canal
single-storey building, with
the second floor added in
1914, the property has been fully
residential since 1984, previously
incorporating a small craft shop.

The cottage overlooks the stunning
River Cherwell Valley near Twyford
Wharf and Banbury, and stands
next to Grants Lock, the second
deepest on the Oxford Canal.

Tragically falling victim to an arson
attack in July 2020 the house was
destroyed down to the brickwork, and
is now in need of a devoted owner to
restore it to its former glory. While
the lock and bridge are listed, the
cottage isn't. It doesn't currently
hold any planning permission,
although Cherwell District Council
has indicated that a full restoration
programme would be approved.

Before the fire, the ground floor
comprised a porch, kitchen, reception

86 MARCH 2022 / Selfbuildanddesign.com

A peaceful Essential info
setting for
LOCATION South Oxford Canal
rural life. PRICE £100,000
ESTATE AGENT

sheridanparsons.exp.uk.com

The roof of the cottage The freehold plot extends to 0.04
has been completely acres, with a large additional south-
facing garden to the rear and on
destroyed and is in need both sides, and there is a formal
of total replacement. rental agreement in place with New
College, Oxford, allowing access to
the owner via a good-quality track
through the neighbouring farm.

Although this track will adjoin part
of Banbury's 850-home Longford Park
development, these new builds will
not be noticeable from the cottage.

Another thing to consider is the
proximity of the M40, which is just
220m to the rear of Grants Lock
cottage, although only partially visible
in winter and well screened off by trees,
fences and hedges at other times.

Although motorway noise is audible,
particularly at the rear of the property,
this depends on the weather and
season. At the front, the sound is often
overshadowed by the peaceful trickling
of water through the lock gates.

Grants Lock cottage is to be
sold jointly by Sheridan Parsons
powered by eXp and BidX1 auction
house. The auction will take place on
February 17 2022 unless sold prior,
with a guide price of £100,000.

The interior of the building
has been ravaged by fire.

Selfbuildanddesign.com /MARCH 2022 87

THE CAMPAIGN FOR CUSTOM AND SELF BUILD IN THE UK

Want to build your own home? rignhFaticn-catdsombO-uabpt.uaMoiirlgodgrne-.pusa/tko/rtal/
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receive free notifications of new plots in your county, sign up today at www.plotbrowser.com

GERMOE, PENZANCE, CORNWALL CHESHIRE GOT A PLOT
TO SELL?
Ocean View Barn and 7.55 acres – Barn in an elevated position surrounded by FARNDON, CHESTER
farmland with panoramic coastal and sea views. Detailed planning permission Churton Road – Building plot with Go to PlotBrowser.com
granted for the conversion of the agricultural building to form a single two-storey planning permission for a luxury and register as a seller
dwelling. Guide price: £425,000. Planning: Cornwall Council PA20/11046. detached house of circa 2,638 sq ft over to list your plot for FREE
Stags, 01872 264 488, [email protected] three floors set in circa 0.54 acres. OIEO
£495,000. PPlanning: Cheshire West PA21/06340. Cole Rayment & White,
ENGLAND 01638 711 171, and Chester Council 21/03306/S73 and 01840 213 333, [email protected]
[email protected] 20/00519/FUL. Thomas Property Group,
CAMBRIDGESHIRE 01244 311 119, GOLDSITHNEY
LOLWORTH [email protected] The Green, St Petry – Site of approx
ELY Robins Lane – An substantial detached 550sqm with planning granted on appeal
162 West Fen Road – An older style agricultural barn with prior approval GREAT BOUGHTON, CHESTER for up to two dwellings. Guide price:
detached bungalow to be demolished for the development of two semi- Caldy Valley Road (rear 58 Whitchurch £300,000. Planning: Cornwall Council
on an overall site just over half an detached barn-style homes of Road ) – A building plot with planning PA21/01696. Marshalls, 01736 360 203,
acre (subject to survey). Frontage of around 2,500 sqft each, situated on permission for a luxury five-bedroom [email protected]
22.5m/74ft, average depth: 39m/128ft. the outskirts of a small, rural village, detached house . OIRO £250,000.
Planning approval for replacement Guide price: £460,000. Planning: Planning: Cheshire West and Chester MEVAGISSEY, ST AUSTELL
with two detached dwellings, each of South Cambridgeshire District Council Council 16/00388/FUL and 19/00193/ Building Plot, Vicarage Hill – Building
approx 123sqm internally. Guide price: 21/02731/PRI03Q. Cheffins, 01223 DIS . Thomas Property Group, 01244 311 plot with planning consent to create
£375,000. Planning: East Cambridgeshire 214 214, cambridge@cheffins.co.uk 119, [email protected] an ultra modern individual home. The
District Council 20/00944/FUL. architect has designed a low impact
Pocock & Shaw, 01353 668 091, MARCH CORNWALL dwelling that nestles into its surroundings
[email protected] Land S side Meadowlands – Plot with and takes full advantage of the sloping
approx. road frontage of 55ft and an BLACKWATER, TRURO site with lots of glass, natural stone and
ELY average depth of 72ft. Full planning Plot at Four Burrows Farm – A generous grass roof. Substantial works have taken
Plot 1 Barway – Building plot of around permission for a three-bedroom chalet sized plot located alongside the A30 place and all of the piles have been
0.12 acres with full planning consent for a bungalow with integral garage. The close to Truro and the north Cornish drilled for the foundations.Guide price:
four-bedroom detached house extending vendor reports that works started within coast. Certificate of Lawfulness for £200,000. Planning: Cornwall Council
to around 1,400 sq ft. Guide price: the permitted timescale to secure the proposed Use or Development. Enclosed PA20/11328. Philip Martin, 01872 242
£200.000. Planning: East Cambridgeshire planning application. OIEO £100,000. within a large garden extending to 0.2 244, [email protected]
District Council EC/20/00203/FUL. Planning: Fenland District Council F/ acres. The plot has scope for a spacious
Balmforth Estate Agents, YR03/1496/F. William H Brown, 01354 detached dwelling with generous PENSILVA, LISKEARD
654 545, [email protected] garden, garage and driveway parking. Building Plot at 1 Glen Park – Land for
Guide price: £135,000. Planning: sale with detailed planning permission
Cornwall Council PA19/05912. for a two-bedroom detached bungalow
Philip Martin, 01872 242 244, in a popular moorland village. Off-road
[email protected] parking and gardens to the front and
rear, with rural views and a generously
DAVIDSTOW, CAMELFORD sized loft space which has the potential
Plots E of Meadoview, Tremail – Two to be developed subject to further
building plots available either individually planning consent. Guide price: £130,000.
or as a whole with the advantage of Planning: Cornwall Council PA21/05544.
immediate road frontage to the adopted Parkes & Pearn, 01579 343 633,
highway. Each plot is approx 500sqm. [email protected]
Outline planning permission granted
in September 2021. Price: £160,000
per plot. Planning: Cornwall Council

Selfbuildanddesign.com / MARCH 2022 89

PLOTBROWSER

POULZA, JACOBSTOW Oxborough Phillips, 01409 254 238,
Farmhouse – Opportunity for characterful [email protected]
landed farmhouse conversion. Land
extending to approx 8 acres. Two large KERSWELL, CULLOMPTON, DEVON KINGS NYMPTON, UMBERLEIGH
outbuildings, and an traditional barn that Yeo House – A gently sloping plot
could be converted into additional home. Blackdown Barn and 4.25 acres – Planning consent for conversion of the existing totalling almost 0.75 acres. Detailed
Planning permission granted allowing for barn into a generous five-bedroom three-bathroom home with views across open planning permission granted for one
two-bedroom home. There is a chance to countryside. The plans show about 416sqm of accommodation (about 4,478 sq ft). dwelling. The plans are for a high quality
be able to resubmit the planning to make There is the opportunity to purchase two further large barns with consent to convert and striking contemporary dwelling with
a five-bedroom home. Views over rolling into four cottages and a guest house with two shepherds huts. OIEO £400,000. reverse level accommodation designed
Cornish countryside. Popular coastal Planning: East Devon District Council 21/1508/PDQ . to take full advantage of the views to
village location. Price band: £300,001- Stags, 01404 45885, [email protected] Dartmoor in the distance. Mains water
£450,000. Moorhaven Developments, and electricity are already connected to
01752 892 411, [email protected] property set within 0.52 acres of grounds parking and gardens to the front and the site and are available for immediate
with existing garage. A material start has rear. To the south of the plot is a small use. A compliant private drainage
POULZA, JACOBSTOW been made and the planning consent area of agricultural land which is included system will need to be installed. Guide
Tractor House – Opportunity for is extant. OIEO £160,000. Planning: in the sale. The total site extends to 0.41 price: £259,000. Planning: North Devon
characterful landed barn conversion Yorkshire Dales National Park acres. Guide price: £240,000. Planning: Council 63679 and 73322. Stags, 01769
with an acre of land to the rear of the 14/0096. Armitstead Barnett, West Devon Borough Council 4136/19/ 572 263, [email protected]
property. Planning permission. Class 01539 751 993, [email protected] FUL. Kitchener Land and Planning,
Q granted. Views over rolling Cornish 01392 879 300, [email protected] SHEBBEAR, BEAWORTHY
countryside. Popular coastal village RICKERBY, CARLISLE Land at New Inn Cross – Level site
location. Price band: £250,001-£300,000. Building Plot – A 0.4 acre building plot EXMOUTH extending to approx one third of an acre
Moorhaven Developments, with planning permission for a four- with outline planning for one single-
01752 892 411, [email protected] bedroom detached dormer dwelling. Maer Lane – A building plot of approx storey dwelling. Guide price: £175,000.
Guide price: £225,000. Planning: 0.2 acres situated about 300m from Planning: Torridge District Council
TRENANCE Carlisle City Council 20/0451. beach. Planning permission granted for a 1/1040/2020/OUT. Kivells,
Land Adj. Pen An Vre – Former farmyard Hayward Tod Associates, 2,600 sq ft four-bedroom house including 01288 359 999, [email protected]
with outline planning permission for 01228 810 300, [email protected] double garage with studio above. Guide
two dwellings. with all matters such as price: £400,000. Planning: East Devon STAPLE CROSS
access, appearance, landscaping, layout DEVON District Council 19/1113/FUL. Wilkinson Land at Ladylands – A very rare
and scale reserved for future approval. A Grant & Co, 01392 875 000, opportunity to purchase a rural building
previous outline planning permission for BRADWORTHY [email protected] site with planning consent approved for
the site in 2016 had possible site layout North Meadow – Five fully serviced the demolition of existing farm buildings
and house design for four-bedroom building plots with detailed planning HOLSWORTHY and erection of three spacious dwellings.
detached houses each of approx permission and full Building Regs on the Located within walking distance of the
148sqm. The site is approx 0.17 hectares. edge of the popular, thriving village of The Old Bakery, Church Lane – An rural hamlet of Staple Cross, the site
OIRO £400,000. Planning: Cornwall Bradworthy. All electric, mains water and historic industrial building with full enjoys outstanding and commanding
Council PA20/08435. Kitchener Land and sewerage connected. Plots 1 and 3 offer planning permission to convert into two rural views. Price band: £450,001-
Planning, 01392 879 300, [email protected] the opportunity to build a characterful two-bedroom residential units. Guide £600,000. Planning: Mid Devon District
three-bedroom house. Plot 2 will price: £230.000. Planning: Torridge Council 20/00570/FULL. Whitton &
COUNTY DURHAM provide a smaller, three-bedroom home District Council 1/0693/2019/FUL. Bond Laing, 01392 259 395,
and plots 4 and 5 will each have four/ [email protected]
DARWEN five bedrooms. Price band: £200,001-
Tockholes Road – Plot of land with full £250,000. Planning: Torridge District EAST SUSSEX
planning permission to build a pair of Council 1/0224/2020/REM. Private seller,
executive semi-detached houses each of [email protected] EASTBOURNE
circa 2,000 sq ft that are split-level and 42 St Anthony’s Ave/Wallis Place –
three-storey to the rear. OIRO £130,000. Building plot with outline planning
Planning: Blackburn with Darwen permission for a detached two-bedroom
Borough Council 10/20/0361. Claves, bungalow. Guide price reduced to
01204 929 940, [email protected] £165,000. Planning: Eastbourne Borough
Council 210539. Taylor Engley, 01323
PETERLEE 722 222, [email protected]
Loaning Burn, Easington Village – A
residential building plot with outline BRADWORTHY, NR HOLSWORTHY
planning permission for one or two
dwellings. Frontage of 21.5m and a site Site Plan 1, Lower Way Farm – Planning
depth of 29m approx. The total site granted for two detached dormer-style
area is 690sqm made up of the original dwellings. Guide price: £110,000 per
garden plot and the front access road. plot. Planning: Torridge District Council
Guide price: £140,000. Planning: Durham 1/0259/2021/REM and 1/0256/2021/
County Council DM/21/02745/007. REM and 1/0275/2021/REM. Webbers,
Kimmitt & Roberts, 0191 518 3334, 01288 353 661, [email protected]
[email protected]
BRIDESTOWE COLCHESTER, ESSEX
CUMBRIA
Pigs Leg Lane – A single building plot President Road – Plot with full planning permission to construct a contemporary
CARLISLE with the benefit of detailed planning four-bedroom detached single-storey residence. Price band: £250,001-£300,000.
Plot adj. 50 Durdar Road – Building permission for the construction of a Planning: Colchester Borough Council 202835.
plot with full planning permission for a substantial for- to five-bedroom detached Michaels Property Consultants, 01206 576 999, [email protected]
four-bedroom detached dwelling with house with integral garage, off-road
garage. Guide price: £110,000. Planning:
Carlisle City Council 21/0569. Hayward
Tod Associates, 01228 810 300,
[email protected]

ORTON, PENRITH
Building Plot opp. Shallowford – Planning
consent for a detached, three-bedroom

90 MARCH 2022 / Selfbuildanddesign.com

PLOTBROWSER

RINGMER TATTERSHALL BRIDGE, LINCOLNSHIRE WINGHAM, CANTERBURY
Plot for 1 or 2 houses – Plot has planning Land, Mill Road – Approx 0.13 acres
permission to build a new house on Witham Bank – A generous plot and overlooking the River Witham with planning with planning permission granted for
it. There is potential to instead get permission for the demolition of an existing dwelling and erection of a replacement one four-bedroom detached house.
consent for two smaller houses. The three-storey home of around 2,190 sq ft plus garage. Guide price: £110,000. OIEO £250,000. Planning: Dover District
owner specialises in eco homes so Planning: North Kesteven District Council 19/1462/FUL. Council 21/00884. Regal Estates,
can offer support on eco building if of Pygott & Crone, 01205 359 111 / 01205 359 900, [email protected] 01227 763 888,
interest. Price band: £150,001-£200,000. [email protected]
Planning: Lewes District Council permission granted for a detached Wight Council 20/00779/FUL.
LW/20/0209. Private seller, 0208 773 four-bedroom dwelling of approx Spence Willard, 01983 756 575, YORKLETTS, WHITSTABLE
1780, [email protected] 267sqm and a further detached garage [email protected] Copse End, Coombe Walk – Plot - 45m
building of approx 130sqm. Guide price: x 27m. 0.3 acres predominantly grass
RYE £650,000. Planning: Winchester City NORTON GREEN, FRESHWATER with a shrub border. Gas, sewerage
Plot adj. Hilden, Rye Hill – A building Council 20/00712/FUL. Plot 4 Mountfield – Part of a small and electric utilities are all accessible to
plot on the outskirts of Rye with planning Strutt & Parker, 01962 869 999, development, this plot has planning the plot. Full planning permission for a
permission granted for a two-storey, [email protected] permission for a detached four-bedroom four-bedroom home measuring approx
four-bedroom dwelling with an approx house. Guide price: £210,000. Planning: 2,690 sq ft surrounded by SSSI protected
floor space of 136sqm plus detached NEWTOWN, NEWBURY Isle of Wight Council 20/00779/ woodland. Guide price £350,000.
garage and associated driveway. Guide FUL. Spence Willard, 01983 756 575, Planning: Canterbury City Council
price: £400,000. Planning: Rother District Willow Tree House, Plot at Newtown [email protected] CA/20/00684. Spiller Brooks Estate
Council RR/2019/2831/P. Court Farm – Planning consent for a five- Agents, 01227 272155,
Rush Witt & Wilson, 01797 224 000, bedroom, architect designed detached KENT [email protected]
[email protected] family home of approx 3,466 sq ft set
in approx 0.4 acres. OIRO £650,000. BROADSTAIRS LANCASHIRE
ESSEX Planning: Basingstoke and Deane Gladstone Road – Outline consent for
Borough Council 20/01744/FUL. four four-bedroom detached houses on CABUS, PRESTON
BISHOP’S STORTFORD Knight Frank LLP, 01256 350 600, corner plot with all services in desirable Lancaster New Road – Building plot with
Norfolk Way – Building plot with [email protected] area of Kent. Offers over 725,000 . full planning consent for a pair of semi-
full planning permission for a three- Planning: Thanet District Council. Private detached dwellings with garages and
bedroom, end-of-terrace home of 988 sq SOUTHAMPTON seller, 01843 863 343 / 07594 487762, gardens. OIRO £150,000. Planning: Wyre
ft following demolition of garage. OIEO Building Plot, Brook Lane, Sarisbury [email protected] Council 18/00757/FUL and 18/00757/
£150,000. Planning: East Hertfordshire Green – Plot of 885sqm with retained DIS . Armitstead Barnett, 01995 603 180,
District Council 3/21/1270/FUL. Pestell & mature trees and ample parking and CHESTFIELD, WHITSTABLE [email protected]
Co., 01279 656 400, [email protected] garaging. Planning granted for an approx Plot, Grasmere Road – Building plot plot for a 2½ storey detached house
1,770 sq ft, three-bedroom detached with planning permission for a house of
BRAINTREE bungalow that externally replicates the 2,292 sq ft that will have views of cricket LONGTON, PRESTON
Land adj. 75 Goldingham Drive – land features of the former locally listed gate ground. Plot measures 83ft narrowing Plots at Kitty’s Farm – A new
with full planning permission for a new lodge. Guide price: £325,000. Planning: to 23ft x 95ft (25.3m x 28.96m). Guide development of 14 executive detached
two-storey, one-bedroom end-of-terrace Fareham Borough Council P/19/1020/FP. price: £425,000. Planning: Canterbury family homes just off the prestigious
house and the creation of car parking Ivens & Co, 01489 565 636, City Council CA/21/01804. Kent Estate Old School Drive and only a short walk
space. Guide price £90,000. Planning: [email protected] Agencies, 01227 272 302, from the village centre of Longton. A
Braintree District Council 21/01225/ [email protected] choice of serviced self build plots for
FUL. Beresfords - Land and New Homes, ISLE OF WIGHT either five- or six-bedroom properties.
01245 447 938, [email protected] DEAL Three house styles to choose from:
NORTON GREEN Land with full planning, London Road 265sqm, 370sqm and 490 sqm. Prices
COLCHESTER Plot 3 Mountfield – A plot for a detached – Plot with full planning permission for from £350,000 per plot. Planning: South
Building Plot, 2 Delamere Road – Outline house that forms part of a small a detached dwelling with access from Ribble Borough Council . Lawrence
planning permission for a proposed development with permission granted Hayward Close. Guide price £250,000. Rooney Estate Agents, 01772 614 433,
four-bedroom detached bungalow with to build three stylish, four-bedroom Planning: Dover District Council [email protected]
garden and parking. OIRO £180,000. detached houses and a pair of three- 21/00038. Jenkinson Estates, 01304 373
Planning: Colchester Borough Council bedroom semi-detached houses. Guide 984, [email protected] LINCOLNSHIRE
202242. Fenn Wright, 01245 292 100, price: £220,000. Planning: Isle of Wight
[email protected] Council 20/00779/FUL. KENNINGTON, ASHFORD GRIMOLDBY, LOUTH
Spence Willard, 01983 756 575, Land adj. Bridleway, Mill Lane – A 0.5 Plot and 11 acres Pickhill Lane – An
FINGRINGHOE, COLCHESTER [email protected] acre building plot along a private road individual building plot of approx 0.13
Former Methodist Chapel, Chapel and next to open countryside with full acres with an additional agricultural
Road – Chapel that has been granted NORTON GREEN planning for the construction of a house field of approx 11 acres included in
planning permission for a change of use Plots 1&2, Mountfield – A plot for a pair of 238sqm (2,562 sq ft) along with a large the sale. The building plot has full
to residential on a good size overall plot of semi-detached houses that forms part double car barn of 48.9sqm. Guide price: planning permission for a three-bedroom
with large frontage and open aspect of a small development with permission £475,000. Planning: Ashford Borough bungalow. Guide price: £195,000.
views to the front. All mains services are granted to build three stylish, four- Council 19/00394/AS. Hobbs Parker, Planning: East Lindsey District Council
connected to the property. Guide price: bedroom detached houses and a pair of 01233 506 260, N/067/02108/19. John Taylors, 01507
£325,000. Planning: Colchester Borough three-bedroom semi-detached houses. [email protected] 603 648, [email protected]
Council 202755. Fenn Wright, 01206 763 Guide price: £220,000. Planning: Isle of
388, [email protected] HELPRINGHAM
Plot 1 George Street – Plot that measures
LITTLE BROMLEY, MANNINGTREE 31.5m in depth by 16.5m at the front
Rear 5 and 6 Shop Road – Full planning expanding to 21.5m at the rear. This
for a detached Passivhaus home of just is one of three plots available with
under 1,000 sq ft. Off-road parking and outline planning on the edge of this
garden. Guide price: £150,000. Planning: popular village. Part of a wider planning
Tendring District Council 21/00282/FUL. application for seven properties. Guide
Michaels Property Consultants, price: £150,000. Planning: North
01206 820 999, Kesteven District Council 14/0761/
[email protected] OUT. Pygott & Crone, 01529 414 333,
[email protected]
HAMPSHIRE
LOW GROUNDS, BOSTON
BRAISHFIELD Land adj. Dial House, Timms Drove – An
Upper Slackstead Farm, Farley Lane – individual building plot extending to
Site of just over an acre with planning

Selfbuildanddesign.com / MARCH 2022 91

PLOTBROWSER

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE SHROPSHIRE

FOULSHAM, DEREHAM, NORFOLK MAPPERLEY BROSELEY WOOD
Former Dairy Garage, King St – A former
The Orchard Plot, rear Old Pharmacy, High Street – A Conservation Area plot of Bladon Close – Planning permission has dairy garage commercial building and
approx 0.25 acres with its own driveway. Detailed planning permission granted for been granted for detached five-bedroom ground measuring approx 165sqm
a detached home of approx 20sqm. Guide price: £225,000. Planning: Broadland family home of approx 1,800 sq ft. Guide offering potential for redevelopment.
District Council 20210134. Brown & Co, 01603 629 871, [email protected] price: £125,000. Planning: Nottingham Expired planning consent for a detached
City Council 20/00118/PFUL3. three-bedroom house and garage. OIRO
approx 0.68 acre with outline planning driveway access and field views to Gascoines, 01636 813 245, southwell@ £100,000. Planning: Shropshire Council .
permission granted for the erection of two aspects. Guide price £195,000. gascoines.coSUTTON BONINGTON Harwood The Estate Agents, 01952 881
one dwelling. Guide price: £175,000. Planning: Breckland District Council Station Road – A building plot with full 010, [email protected]
Planning: Boston Borough Council 3PL/2019/0518/F. Hammondlee, planning permission for a five-bedroom
B/21/0188 . Pygott & Crone, 01953 451 767, detached house. Set within a gated HANWOOD, SHREWSBURY
01205 359 111 / 01205 359 900, [email protected] community in the grounds of a former Caradoc View – An individual building
[email protected] Country House. Guide price: £450,000. plot granted with full planning permission
FELTWELL Julian Owen Associates Ltd., 0115 922 for a sizeable detached three-bedroom
SCUNTHORPE Adj 24 Long Lane – Building plot with 9831, [email protected] house. Guide price: £100,000. Planning:
Moorwell Road – Detached two- planning permission granted on Appeal UPPER BROUGHTON Shropshire Council 21/03455/FUL.
bedroom bungalow in need of full for the erection of a three-bedroom Cooper Green Pooks, 01743 276 666,
renovation situated on a double-fronted detached house located down a quiet Melton Road – An individual plot with [email protected]
plot that is approx 1 acre. Opportunity lane. Guide price £140,000. Planning: planning permission for a contemporary
for redevelopment (subject to planning). King’s Lynn and West Norfolk Borough home in village location. Price: £250,000. MADELEY
Road frontage approx 95ft with an Council 20/00601/F. Chilterns, Julian Owen Associates Ltd., 0115 922 Plot, Park Lane – Building plot with
average depth of 440 ft. Guide price: 01842 813 466, [email protected] 9831, [email protected] panning consent granted for one
£325,000. Planning: North Lincolnshire detached dwelling. OIRO £75,000.
Council. Bell Watson, 01724 865 555, GRIMSTON OXFORDSHIRE Planning: Telford & Wrekin Council
[email protected] Adj. 42 Lynn Road – A plot that is 18m x TWC/2021/0229. Harwood The Estate
38m. Lapsed outline planning permission BURCOT Agents, 01952 881 010,
MERSEYSIDE for a single dwelling. OIRO £230,000. [email protected]
Planning: King’s Lynn and West Norfolk Land W of Withywindle, Abingdon Road
PARR, ST HELENS Borough Council 10/01438/O. EweMove – In a non-estate location, a site that has SOMERSET
87 Langtree Street – A plot of land Sales & Lettings - King’s Lynn, 01553 606 planning consent for a four-bedroom
that measures approx 26.5m deep by 958, [email protected] detached house of circa 2,670 sq ft plus FELTON, BRISTOL
11.8m across, A positive response to double garage. Guide price: £350,000. Land at New Farm, Vee Lane – Outline
pre-application planning enquiry by the KING’S LYNN, Planning: South Oxfordshire District planning for the demolition of the
vendor in December 2021, indicates that Building Plot, 1 Gaywood Road – Council P21/S3553/FUL. Oliver James, existing barn and the erection of a new
a detached dwelling could be permitted Residential building plot with planning 01235 555 007, dwelling. The plot is located between a
on this site. Guide price: £76,000. permission and certificate of lawful use [email protected] Grade II listed farmhouse and a working
Planning: St Helens Metropolitan or development for a three-bedroom farm. The single concrete block barn is
Borough Council PRE/2021/0184/PREC. detached dwelling. Guide price: OXFORD the only building for demolition. There
J B & B Leach, 01744 22 816, £120,000. Planning: King’s Lynn and West is a stone outbuilding located in the
[email protected] Norfolk Borough Council 21/01759/LDE. Spacious one-bedroom house with future grounds of the property which is
Landles, 01553 772 816, home-working study, courtyard garden being utilised as a bat mitigation zone.
ST HELENS, [email protected] and drive. New detailed planning Guide price: £275,000. Planning: North
Plot at 305 Walkers Lane, Sutton permission granted to replace five Somerset Council 21/P/2540/NMA.
Manor – A garden building plot with WRETHAM garages with spacious one-bedroom Cooper & Tanner, 01373 455 060 /
full detailed planning permission for a Larkshall House and up to 6 acres, house. Current plan is for an L-shaped 01373 455 100,
three- to four-bedroom detached home. Thetford Road – Planning permission house with separate study/office, utility [email protected]
Guide price: £125,000. Planning: St to remodel and extend a detached room, private courtyard garden and
Helens Metropolitan Borough Council three-bedroom, three-reception room driveway parking space. Offers over
2021/0881/FUL. Ashtons, 01744 754 former farmworkers house, built in the £150,000. Planning: Oxford City Council
210, [email protected] 1950s. The house is offered with approx 21/01863/FUL. Private seller,
0.75 acres, although the adjoining 07923 924 726, [email protected]
NORFOLK meadow and outbuildings could also
be available (up to 6 acres in total) by HOCKERTON, SOUTHWELL, NOTTINGHAMSHIRE
CASTON negotiation. Guide price: £675,000.
Attleborough Road – A building plot of Planning: Breckland District Council Land adj. Hockerton Grange, Kirklington Road – An individual building plot of approx
approx. 101ft x 148ft on the outskirts 3PL/2021/1228/F. Bedfords, 0.1 acres with full planning permission for a detached two-storey house of approx
of village. Planning approved for an 01284 769 999, 1,848 sq ft gross external. Guide price: £250,000. Planning: Newark and Sherwood
individual four-bedroom, two-storey, [email protected] District Council 21/01516/FUL. Richard Watkinson & Partners, 01636 816 200,
detached property with shared [email protected]

92 MARCH 2022 / Selfbuildanddesign.com

PLOTBROWSER

TUNLEY, BATH a stunning four-bedroom house in 1.6 EDINBANE, HIGHLAND
7A Fairfield – A well-presented semi- acre plot in the open countryside. Price
detached home with planning permission band: £450,001-£600,000. Planning: Plot at 13 – A de-crofted building plot extending to approx 0.36 acres or thereby with
to build a four-bedroom detached Stratford-on-Avon District Council views across Loch Greshornish. Planning in principle for a single-storey or a 1.5-storey
house. Guide price: £550,000. Planning: 21/01812/FUL CIL. dwelling. OIEO £80,000. Planning: Highland Council 19/03867/PIP.
Bath and North East Somerset Council Private seller, 07840 590 939, Isle of Skye Estate Agents, 01478 612 683, [email protected]
21/04341/FUL. Davies & Way, 01225 400 [email protected]
400, [email protected] Agents, 01273 567 766, Planning: Highland Council 21/03677/
NAPTON ON THE HILL, SOUTHAM [email protected] PIP. Private seller, [email protected]
WESTHAM, NR WEDMORE
Lot B – Online Auction Wednesday Building Plot off Jackson Lane – A SCOTLAND NORTH BALLACHULISH
16th February 2022 to commence 9am site with detailed planning permission Plot at Alltshellach – A level building plot
and close 5pm. A traditional barn with and reserved matters approval for two HIGHLAND with planning permission in principle for a
prior approval for conversion into a four-bedroom dwellings each of 2,300 detached house on a plot that extends to
five-bedroom 3,500 sq ft house. Plot sq ft. Extending to approx 0.67 acres CARBOST, ISLE OF SKYE around 0.28 acres. Guide price: £78,000.
is approx 1.11 acres including orchard. or thereabouts. Guide price: £475,000. The School House & former School, Planning: Highland Council 21/00166/PIP.
Auction guide price: £325,000 to Planning: Stratford-on-Avon District Carbostmore – A semi-detached MacPhee & Partners,
£350,000 (An indication of the seller’s Council 17/01563/OUT and 21/01037/ bungalow and former school building 01397 702 200,
current minimum acceptable price at REM. Howkins & Harrison, 01788 560 set in a generous plot extending to [email protected]
auction. It can be subject to change up 321 / 01788 564 680, 0.4 acre or thereby with the potential
to and including the day of the auction. [email protected] for redevelopment. OIEO £160,000. MORAY
Buyer’s administration fees may apply). Planning: Highland Council. Skye
Planning: Sedgemoor District Council WEST SUSSEX Property Centre, 01478 611 600, DRUMMUIR, KEITH
50/20/00080. Cooper & Tanner, [email protected] Lochend Cottage – Elevated south-facing
01934 713 296, BURGESS HILL house site of 0.4 acres with countryside
[email protected] CLOVULLIN, ARDGOUR, views. There is a traditional cottage,
Adj. Walstead House, Birchwood a workshop and two outbuildings all
SURREY Grove Road – Building plot measuring BY FORT WILLIAM connected by a courtyard. The cottage
99 ft/30.4m deep x 42 ft/13m wide Plot at Ardgour (Tower House) – Building does not have central heating or
CROYDON extending to 59 ft/18m at the front, plot of around 0.34 acres with views electricity and is in need of repair. OIEO
Land rear Windmill Road – Planning with permission granted on appeal for to the surrounding countryside. Full £120,000. Planning: Moray Council.
permission has been granted for a a contemporary-style three-bedroom planning permission for a unique tower Peterkins, 01542 882 537,
three-bedroom detached house of detached house of 1,862 sq ft, that can house. The tower house is timber clad, [email protected]
contemporary design. Access is via St. potentially be increased to 2,279 sq ft with accommodation arranged over three
Saviours’ Road. Guide price: £240,000. under permitted development rights levels. OIEO £80,000. Planning: Highland ELGIN
Planning: London Borough of Croydon following completion of the current Council 18/00942/FUL. MacPhee & Building Plot at 14 Reidhaven Street – A
20/00944/FUL. Cubitt & West, 020 8654 planning permission. OIRO £350,000. Partners, 01397 702 200, site of 403sqm with planning permission
3037, [email protected] Planning: Mid Sussex District Council [email protected] granted for a two-storey property of
DM/21/0555. Mansell McTaggart, 01444 140sqm with parking for two vehicles.
HIGH PITFOLD, HINDHEAD 235 665, [email protected] FORT AUGUSTUS OIEO £108,000. Planning: Moray Council
Land to the North of Fieldside Cottage Plot at Dunard – Building plot of around 20/01113/APP. AB+S Estate Agents,
– An elevated building plot of 0.123 WORTHING 0.19 acres in the heart of the village, with 01343 564 123,
acres with outline planning consent for a views to the surrounding countryside. [email protected]
three-bedroom 1,660 sq ft house. Guide Land W of 318 Tarring Road – For Sale Full planning permission for an architect
price: £340,000. Planning: Waverley by Auction on 23 February 2022. A wide designed, detached, three-bedroom LHANBRYDE
Borough Council WA/2021/01236. freehold parcel of land with planning property. Guide price: £68,000. Planning: Building Plot Garmouth Road – The
Clarke Gammon Wellers, 01428 664 800, permission granted for a two-storey, Highland Council 20/05117/FU. plot extends to approx 326sqm. Outline
[email protected] three-bedroom detach house with south- MacPhee & Partners, 01397 702 200, planning permission for a detached
facing first floor balcony and driveway [email protected] 1.5-storey three-bedroom house with
WARWICKSHIRE parking. Auction guide price: £225,000 parking and garden. The cottage that
to £250,000 (An indication of the seller’s INVERNESS was there was under a demolition order
FENNY COMPTON current minimum acceptable price at Bothy plot – Elevated 0.09 plot in has now been demolished and removed.
Rose Cottage – Three-bedroom cottage auction. It can be subject to change up parkland, with adjacent organic growers Fixed price: £42,000. Planning: Moray
with planning permission to replace with to and including the day of the auction. and rare apple orchard. This plot Council 19/00309/PPP.
Buyer’s administration fees may apply). forms the final plot in an existing 6 eco AB+S Estate Agents, 01343 564 123,
Planning: Adur and Worthing Borough house township 1 mile from Inverness [email protected]
Council AWDM/1102/21. Lextons Estate City boundary. Mains electricity, water
and telephone within 2m. No street
BURTON GREEN, KENILWORTH, WARWICKSHIRE lights nor tarmac drives and real night
skies. Boundary hedges on three sides
Land fronting Red Lane – Just over 1 acre with current planning permission for single and south east facing. Offers invited.
dwelling with detached garage. Price on application. Planning: Warwick District
Council W/20/2161. EHB Residential, 01926 881 144, [email protected]

Selfbuildanddesign.com / MARCH 2022 93

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Unit 11 Bushell Estate, Lester Way, Wallingford, OX10 9DD

94 MARCH 2022 / Selfbuildanddesign.com

NEXT MONTH PREVIEW

Next month

April issue on sale February 25

Subterranean

barn house

Designed to resemble
a brick and pantile
barn, this partly
subterranean new home
in the Lincolnshire Wolds
AONB enjoys views
towards a scheduled
ancient monument.
Featuring a projecting
master bedroom
pod, steel cladding
designed to rust, and a
planted roof, the house
is surrounded by wild
flower meadows and
overlooks a private pond.

Converted 1920s
house
convent remodel

Once home to the PLUS
mother superior, this
part of a converted An introduction
Grade 1-listed former to HOUSE
convent has been DESIGN
given a sympathetic
update - with mains FOCUS ON:
water installed, new Sunrooms &
heating, and beautiful conservatories
interiors worthy
of the stunning BEGINNER’S
structure - marrying GUIDE:
original features Loft conversions
with contemporary & basements
improvements.

This whole-house refurbishment
included a loft conversion and a
large ground-floor extension.

Selfbuildanddesign.com / MARCH 2022 95

TOPPING OUT

CASHING IN
Gerald Cole offers four pointers for successful downsizing.

I have a confession to make. Like Given the average age of British homes separate plot, obtain planning permission
many of my generation, through - the oldest in Europe - your current for a new dwelling, build your new
no fault of our own, I am sitting house may also be less than airtight home and pay for it by selling off your
on a small mountain of cash. Of and insufficiently insulated. Fuel prices existing property. You can even choose
course, by ‘cash’, dear HMRC, are rocketing and likely to rise further your new close neighbour. Simples.
I really mean the value of the house I once aging gas boilers are replaced by DRAWBACKS Well, not entirely. Planning
happen to live in. Not, sadly, the contents heat pumps, as the government would authorities tend to examine applications
of my bank account or a share portfolio like us to do after 2025. In leaky, poorly for ‘infill’ plots with particular rigour.
managed with unusual brilliance. insulated homes heat pumps are likely Approvals will usually depend on local
to be ineffective or very expensive. planning policies, road access, whether the
And yet my house is architecturally new property overlooks or overshadows
unexceptional, and no one famous All the more reason, then, to design neighbours and how the new house fits
ever lived here. Its genius, for which and build a modern, energy-efficient in, or doesn’t, with existing dwellings. In
I can claim little responsibility, is its house where maintenance is minimal other words, it’s an even bigger lottery
location. Simply by staying doggedly and major repairs can safely be forgotten than planning permission usually is.
where it is for the last 30-odd years it for the foreseeable future. If you really SOLUTION Once you have a design to
has increased its value dramatically. In want to minimise fuel costs, opt for a show, make friends with neighbours
fact, if I didn’t live in it already, I could Passivhaus design, claimed to add no and local councillors, if you haven’t
only dream about moving here. more than 10 per cent to your build costs, already, and try to get them onside.
but reducing your fuel bills by up to 90 Be prepared to compromise.
Which brings me to downsizing. For per cent. And it will be just as effective
many in a similar position to myself, at keeping you cool in the summer. 4 Inheritance tax
downsizing provides one of the major DRAWBACKS A modern house will Downsizing may suit you very well,
ways of financing a self build, particularly never have the character or the but you may be concerned at leaving your
for empty nesters or those nearing or memories of your old, older home. offspring a smaller, less valuable property.
following retirement. Its advantages SOLUTION Selfbuilding is a way to meet Recent changes to inheritance tax,
may seem obvious, but the devil is your current and future needs, particularly however, alleviate some of that concern.
always in the detail, so here are four, in terms of mobility, a healthy internal
hopefully helpful, pointers for the atmosphere, practicality and maintenance. Every estate is granted a zero-rate
would-be downsizer/selfbuilder. So think carefully about what those needs allowance on the tax it attracts. But a
are likely to be for you. Consult friends and smaller, downsized home will clearly
1 Mortgage-free self build relatives who have made similar moves as have a lower allowance than a larger,
The sale of your existing home may well as professionals. Remember, energy more expensive former home. Now,
well cover the cost of a plot and the efficiency is primarily about the fabric of however, a ‘downsizing addition’ allows
design and construction of your new a building. The design can be anything your beneficiaries to top up the smaller
home. It can also eliminate any remaining from Grand Designerish spectacular allowance with the difference between
mortgage and even leave funds over to a simple, traditional cottage. it and the allowance that would have
for retirement or helping out family. been due on the pre-downsized home.
DRAWBACKS It really depends on the 3 Downsize into your
property market where you currently live own back garden It’s important to keep a note of the
and where you plan to self build. If you’re date when the original home was
intending to move from, say, the south- In many ways, this is the perfect solution sold and the sale price. And, as in all
east of England to picturesque Dumfries - in that you stay exactly where you inheritance matters, do consult a legal
and Galloway just over the Scottish border, are. You divide part of the garden into a expert before making final decisions.
you may be pleasantly surprised by what
you can afford. But as homeowners fleeing
Covid-stricken London for desirable parts
of the West Country have discovered, the
sheer number of fellow movers has severely
reduced their individual buying power.
SOLUTION Decide what’s more
important to you: a house that serves
all your needs or a particular location -
perhaps due to the proximity of friends
or relatives – or its intrinsic appeal.

2 Energy efficiency
According to recent research by
Lloyds Bank, downsizers are likely to
have owned their current homes for
between 11 and 20 years, time enough
for major repairs to become due.

96 MARCH 2022 / Selfbuildanddesign.com

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