Finding LandPlanning Permission and Building RegulationsReplacement DwellingsSelf build homes

Pre-start: a French chateau-style self-build

24th January 2024

CB Homes was approached by a couple who wanted to build a very large home for their family. They had already bought a farmhouse on a big plot of land, in order to build a grand extension.

They had gained planning permission and embarked on an ambitious extension project but unfortunately, their builders were unable to complete the project.

ConstructionDesignsPlanning Permission and Building RegulationsProject ManagementSelf build homesSustainabilitySustainable homesTurn key homes

Pre-start: building a timber frame self-build in Hoole, Chester

10th January 2024

We were very pleased to find a plot of land for a self-build on Stone Place, in the centre of Hoole, on the outskirts of Chester, with outline planning permission for building a house.

As space was quite tight and access somewhat restricted, we started thinking about building a timber frame house, rather than our usual brick and block build.

Planning Permission and Building RegulationsReplacement DwellingsSelf build homesSustainable homesTurn key homes

Planning a brand new cottage self-build with a traditional aesthetic

23rd March 2023

Our client Amy is undertaking a replacement dwelling project to self-build a new family home in Cheshire. Now that building work has started on the project, we caught up with her to find out the back story to this self-build.

Planning Permission and Building RegulationsSelf build homes

Realising the self-build potential of a large rear garden

25th January 2023

A homeowner in the rural village of Alpraham in Cheshire approached CB Homes to find out what potential there could be for building a house in his large rear garden.

On inspecting the site, our team was confident that there was more than enough space to build two large houses on the plot.

Planning Permission and Building RegulationsSelf build homesSustainable homesTurn key homes

Sustainability in Self-Building: Part 1. Building Regulations

1st September 2022

The biggest issue affecting building in the 21st century is sustainability and our changing climate. This issue is making all of us us think more deeply about how houses function and how we build them. In a new series of blogs, we’re going to look at sustainability in self-builds.

Finding LandGround worksPlanning Permission and Building RegulationsSelf build homes

Growing problems – the pitfalls of on-site trees and TPOs

25th May 2022

Whenever we see a new site, we always take note of the position of any trees in the vicinity. Trees can form a great backdrop to a property – and used well they can become part of the exterior landscaping –  but they can also cause a variety of problems.

Just because a tree is sited on a plot of land under your ownership, it doesn’t necessarily give you carte blanche to do as you like with the tree, including trimming it or removing it from the site altogether.   

Finding LandPlanning Permission and Building RegulationsSelf build homes

Maintaining boundaries on land or property

11th May 2022

Every piece of land has a boundary of some description, which may or may not be the property owner’s responsibility. Some of these physical boundaries are manmade, while others are natural.

Planning Permission and Building RegulationsSelf build homes

Rights and boundaries to a plot of land: Know your limits

31st March 2022

If we are looking at buying a plot of land or we want to sell our land at any point, we need land borders to be clearly defined. It’s often when a land sale takes place that changes to boundaries come to light – but by then it may be too late to do anything about it.

Finding LandPlanning Permission and Building RegulationsSelf build homesSustainable homes

How can your home help local wildlife?

26th January 2022

This time of year, when it’s hard to imagine the warmer weather and longer days to come, is the perfect time to start planning ways in which your home and garden could enhance and protect local wildlife.

Planning Permission and Building RegulationsSelf build homesSelf-build CostsSustainable homes

Recommendations could transform self-building

29th September 2021

A recent report by an MP may make all the difference in getting a clear voice on the subject of self-build heard in the halls of Westminster. With the ongoing housing crisis in the UK and the simple fact that not enough houses are being built to meet demand, the Bacon Review hopes to galvanise opinion and move the self-build sector into increased activity. This could deliver between 30,000 and 40,000 self-build homes annually.