Where to start with planning for building?

[FlorayG]

I've decided I need a smaller house and a smaller garden...but I love this house and garden. I've looked at loads and none of them suit.
This morning I had the idea of building a smaller house in my large garden, moving into that and selling this one.
This idea just sprung into my head
NO idea what to do about it - is it possible, what would it cost, is it even allowed?

please help! What initial enquiries do I need to make?

[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!

[parisdisneyfan]

Speaking from current experience check you don't have any covenants on your current property saying you can't build on it. The house we are buying has one saying we can't put anything on it for practically the whole garden. There is a workshop which we can't even change into a garage!

Another house we looked at did this, here is the link to the planning application just to give you an idea
unidoc.wiltshire.gov.uk/UniD...rch/DSA,394304

Good luck, seems a good idea!