Smallest size building plot for 2 bed bungalow
Discussion
As per the title really, I've got an L-shaped garden and, planning permitting, am looking at the possibility of building a 2 bed bungalow on it. What's the smallest plot I can build something worthwhile (ie - rentable) on?? (1 bed would be Ok but obviously if I can squeeze a 2 bed out of the space it'll rent for more...)
Want to keep it one storey to have a chance of the neighbours not objecting to it, and also so it doesn't overlook what's left of my garden.
Cheers,
Want to keep it one storey to have a chance of the neighbours not objecting to it, and also so it doesn't overlook what's left of my garden.
Cheers,
The main consideration is not simply the size of the plot. Key factors are access, how the two plots can be subdivided, sufficient parking, amenity space and bin storage for both properties and relationship to neighbouring properties, impact on privacy and character of the area and whether there are any other nearby backland properties.
Look at your local council website for further information on the above.
Look at your local council website for further information on the above.
As a very rough rule of thumb, you will need to be looking at approximately 60m2 floor area as the minimum practicable size for the bungalow itself.
You will then need to look at 'build lines' (ie. the general line of built frontage along the street - you certainly don't want to be building much in front of it and probably down want anything that's set well back behind other properties) and stand-off distances to neighbouring properties (including your own). You local Planning authority may publish 'Supplementary Planning Guidance' on these (look on their web site or give them a ring); they vary a bit from authority to authority, but again as a general rule of thumb, work on 21 metres from a main habitable room window (lounge, dining room, bedroom) to a neighbouring main habitable room window and 12 metres from a blank or secondary (kitchen, bathroom) elevation to a main elevation.
Typically, you need to add about 2.5m to these distances for each storey height of difference in the relationship; ie. if your house has 1st floor main habitable windows looking toward the new bungalow's main habitable windows, you need to allow 21+2.5 = 23.5m stand off distance.
Start by plotting these constraints on a site plan, then see if you can draw on a suitable 'box' for the floor area of the bungalow.
If you think you can make something work with such a sketch, it's then time to talk about it with a professional or your local Planning officer.
You will then need to look at 'build lines' (ie. the general line of built frontage along the street - you certainly don't want to be building much in front of it and probably down want anything that's set well back behind other properties) and stand-off distances to neighbouring properties (including your own). You local Planning authority may publish 'Supplementary Planning Guidance' on these (look on their web site or give them a ring); they vary a bit from authority to authority, but again as a general rule of thumb, work on 21 metres from a main habitable room window (lounge, dining room, bedroom) to a neighbouring main habitable room window and 12 metres from a blank or secondary (kitchen, bathroom) elevation to a main elevation.
Typically, you need to add about 2.5m to these distances for each storey height of difference in the relationship; ie. if your house has 1st floor main habitable windows looking toward the new bungalow's main habitable windows, you need to allow 21+2.5 = 23.5m stand off distance.
Start by plotting these constraints on a site plan, then see if you can draw on a suitable 'box' for the floor area of the bungalow.
If you think you can make something work with such a sketch, it's then time to talk about it with a professional or your local Planning officer.
Speak to your planning department, each will be different.
Some will expect off road parking, and space to turn the car on the property.
I recently got the details for a build plot that had that requirment. This was in a side street, and all the other houses had normal drives.
Having the turning area meant that the house was set so far back on the plot it had no rear garden to speak of.
Some will expect off road parking, and space to turn the car on the property.
I recently got the details for a build plot that had that requirment. This was in a side street, and all the other houses had normal drives.
Having the turning area meant that the house was set so far back on the plot it had no rear garden to speak of.
Cheers everyone. Quite a bit to go on there so will go and measure the plot etc later. Access not necessarily a problem - good point about parking spaces, think by spinning them through 90 degrees I should be able to get at least one on comfortably.
Fair point about building a good 1, or an average 2 bed property. Not sure on the benefit of the 2nd bedroom rent wise, but in terms of build cost it's pretty much a no-brainer.
Fair point about building a good 1, or an average 2 bed property. Not sure on the benefit of the 2nd bedroom rent wise, but in terms of build cost it's pretty much a no-brainer.
Sam_68 said:
As a very rough rule of thumb, you will need to be looking at approximately 60m2 floor area as the minimum practicable size for the bungalow itself.
Just measured it - 19m by 4m at worst. just seems a bit on the narrow side to me.... Trees to one side shouldn't be an issue but to create any sort of back garden it'll be built ahead of the next door neighbours house Edited by AndyD360 on Monday 9th May 18:52
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