Architecture and Masterplanning in Kirkby
Architecture and masterplanning in Kirkby is the design work that turns a parcel of land into a layout of homes, streets and open space that a council can approve and a builder can deliver. Land to Homes prepares capacity studies, site layouts, house types and design statements, testing each one against planning policy, access, drainage and the character of the area.
Kirkby · L32Free site appraisal
Tell us about your land and we will call you back. No cost, no obligation.
Prefer to talk? Call 0800 088 6248.
- Free site appraisalNo cost, no obligation
- Legal fees coveredReasonable fees, on options and promotion
- Nothing to pay upfrontOn promotion: we fund planning
- Direct purchaseSuitable sites, with or without planning
- UK-wideEngland, Wales, Scotland and NI
Sites we take on near Kirkby
About 6 miles north-east of Liverpool, Kirkby is part of our Merseyside coverage, centred on postcode district L32. Nearby, we also cover Maghull, Litherland and Prescot, all within 5 miles. Kirkby is in the North West region of England.
Near Kirkby, we look at land with an expired or ageing consent, in-principle consents that still need detailed approval and schemes that need redesigning to work. Because Kirkby is in England, land titles are registered with HM Land Registry and transfers attract Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT).
Send us the site address near Kirkby and we will tell you what we think the planning route is.
Why work with Land to Homes in Kirkby
Masterplans for larger sites
Streets, open space, landscaping, play areas and phasing set out in one coherent plan, with room for homes for sale, rent and affordable tenures.
Design codes followed
Where a council has adopted a design code or design guide, we design to it and explain in the design statement how the scheme responds.
Capacity studies
We test several layouts to show what a site could realistically take, allowing for access, open space, drainage and the separation distances councils expect between homes.
Buildability checked
We test every scheme for construction cost and practicality, so the consent we seek is for homes that can actually be built and then sold or let.
The English system, as it applies in Kirkby
Land with no planning permission can still be sold. Around Kirkby, the usual routes in England are a direct sale, an option agreement or a promotion agreement, where the planning work is funded for you and the land is sold once consent is granted. Outline planning permission settles the principle, with reserved matters approved later. Section 106 obligations, the Community Infrastructure Levy where charged and biodiversity net gain all affect what a site is worth, so independent advice matters.
In England, the National Planning Policy Framework places strong weight on well-designed places, and the National Design Guide and National Model Design Code shape what councils expect. Many councils have adopted local design codes. Most applications must also deliver biodiversity net gain, which affects how much of a site is set aside for habitat.
| Local planning document | Local Plan |
|---|---|
| In-principle consent | Outline planning permission, with reserved matters approved later |
| Land transaction tax (paid by the buyer) | Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) |
| Developer contributions | Section 106 planning obligations, plus the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) where the council charges it |
Questions about Architecture and Masterplanning in Kirkby
Do new housing schemes need sustainable drainage?
In most cases, yes. National and local policy usually expects new developments to manage rainwater sustainably, for example with swales, ponds and permeable paving. In Wales, most new developments need separate approval from the local SuDS approving body. We design drainage into the layout from the start, because it can take up a real share of the site.
What is a design and access statement?
It is a short report submitted with certain planning applications that explains the design principles behind a scheme and how people will get to and move around it. In England and Wales it is usually needed for major development and for some smaller schemes in sensitive areas. Scotland and Northern Ireland set their own requirements for design statements.
What is a design code?
A design code is a set of simple, measurable design rules for an area or a site, covering matters such as building heights, materials, street widths and green space. In England, councils are encouraged to produce design codes, guided by the National Model Design Code. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland use design guides and placemaking policies to similar effect.
How many homes could my land take?
It depends on the size and shape of the site, the access, the character of the area, the open space and drainage the scheme needs, and local planning policy on density. Sites of the same size can have very different capacities. A capacity study is the reliable way to answer the question, and our free site appraisal gives an indicative figure.
Do you take on planning and building work in Kirkby?
Yes, on sites we buy, option, promote or develop in partnership in Kirkby and elsewhere in Merseyside, including Formby, Bebington and Newton-le-Willows. We do not take on planning or building work for third parties as a consultancy.
Read more: Architecture and Masterplanning · Guide: Planning permission explained for landowners