[Disney_time]

If you phone your local planning dept, they would probably chat to you over the phone about it and point you in the right direction of info and resources like leaflets or websites. They'll also let you know of any specific conditions that apply to your area e.g. if you are in a conservation zone or whatever, which could limit appearance and materials used in any new build.

Also you could do a search of planning applications in your local area and see if anyone has an application in for anything similar. That's often very revealing as you find out things about your neighbours!