PDP were recently successful in achieving planning permission for a single storey, self-build house in Newton Solney, South Derbyshire. It was a particularly challenging project given that there had been three previous unsuccessful attempts to get consent for a house on the land in 1984, 2005 and 2014, each dismissed at appeal. However, with the input of our Planning, Architectural and Heritage teams we were able to navigate a way through the process and give a local couple the chance to build their dream self-build home.
The site sits within a Conservation Area and in the setting of several listed buildings, making the design and layout of the development particularly sensitive. We argued that the scheme amounted to limited infilling outside of the village boundary, carefully positioned between existing residential properties and the school car park.
The earlier applications were criticised for siting the dwelling and parking at the front of the plot, disrupting the established prevailing character of long front gardens and deeply setback dwellings that define the village. Planning Inspectors considered these designs poorly conceived and were considered to detract from the heritage settling. However, the approved scheme has overcome these concerns and represents a logical example of infilling, reinforcing the settlement’s built form and helping to ‘round off’ the village build line.
The design adopts a modern approach that complements the sensitive heritage setting. The dwelling is to be set back 20 metres from the road, screened by existing hedgerows with additional planting proposed. The material palette consists of render, painted brickwork, natural timber cladding and a flat green sedum roof, reflecting the natural environment and the village’s evolving mix of architectural styles. Both the case officer and heritage officer agreed that the proposal was in keeping with the irregular building form and range of architectural styles in the village, showing a clear evolution.
Sustainability was central to the case, helping to demonstrate a clear public benefit which outweighed any limited impact on heritage assets. Features such as the green sedum roof, high insulation levels, rooflights to maximise natural daylight and renewable technologies, including solar panels and heat pumps, helped the scheme deliver energy efficiency that supported its approval in this sensitive location.
As a self-build house, the development was exempt from the mandatory requirement to deliver a 10% Biodiversity Net Gain. Nevertheless, the inclusion of a green sedum roof, along with additional tree and hedgerow planting around the site, will enhance biodiversity on the site. A Section 106 agreement was required to secure this self-build exemption from a legal perspective, reflecting a new stance from Local Planning Authorities that has only recently come into effect.
This outcome highlights the importance of persistence, collaboration, and sensitive design in achieving success on challenging sites. The scheme will enable the couple to move into the village where one of them grew up, whilst enhancing the character of the village, providing a carefully considered addition to the housing stock.
At Planning & Design Practice, we are proud to play our part in schemes like this, demonstrating that even in the most sensitive contexts, our multi-disciplinary team can navigate a way through the planning and heritage constraints and create contextually appropriate designs to deliver modern homes that respect and complement local character.
Megan Askham, Senior Planner, Planning & Design Practice Ltd
Planning & Design Practice Ltd is a multi-disciplinary team of Chartered Town Planners, Architects, Architectural Assistants and Heritage Specialists. Gaining planning permission is a key step in almost any development. We can take a project through from inception to completion, but we also offer the flexibility to engage a client’s own architects and provide a planning service, whilst our design team can also work with clients who have engaged other town planning professionals. For more information on our team or services, or an informal consultation on your project or property please contact us on 01332 347371 or email enquiries@planningdesign.co.uk
Self-Build success in South Derbyshire
