Architecture and Masterplanning in Farnham
Architecture and masterplanning in Farnham 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.
Farnham · GU9Free site appraisal
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- 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
Planning and building around Farnham
Farnham (GU9) is one of the Surrey towns we cover, about 10 miles west of Guildford. The nearest other places we cover are Aldershot (3 miles), Fleet (5 miles) and Farnborough (6 miles). Farnham is in the South East region of England.
Typical work around Farnham: land where self-build plots could suit the market, sites that need a fresh planning strategy and sites where the layout needs to change. In England, where Farnham sits, planning decisions are made by the local planning authority, usually the district, borough, city or unitary council (or a national park authority).
Tell us about the site near Farnham and we will explain how we would take it forward.
What we offer in Farnham
Drainage and ecology built in
Sustainable drainage, biodiversity and tree retention shape the layout from the first sketch, rather than being squeezed in after the homes are placed.
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.
House types that suit the place
Homes designed to reflect local materials, scale and character, with layouts people want to live in, rather than a standard pattern book dropped onto the site.
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.
Planning and land rules in Farnham
Selling development land in Farnham usually starts with heads of terms, a short written summary of price, conditions and fees, before solicitors draft the contract. In England the sale becomes binding on exchange of contracts and finishes on completion, with the title then registered at HM Land Registry. The buyer normally pays Stamp Duty Land Tax. On option and promotion agreements with Land to Homes, your reasonable legal fees are covered, with the amount agreed in the heads of terms.
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 |
|---|---|
| Who decides applications | The local planning authority, usually the district, borough, city or unitary council (or a national park authority) |
| In-principle consent | Outline planning permission, with reserved matters approved later |
| Land registration | HM Land Registry |
Common questions in Farnham
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.
Do I need an architect for a planning application?
Not by law, but a well-designed scheme with clear drawings stands a much better chance. Larger schemes also need specialist input from landscape architects, highways engineers, drainage engineers and ecologists. Where Land to Homes promotes land, we appoint and fund the design team as part of the planning work, so the landowner does not need to.
How do you make new homes fit in with existing streets?
We study the scale, materials, building lines and spaces of the surrounding area and design homes and streets that respond to them. On a village edge that might mean lower density and more landscaping; in a town, homes that follow the existing street pattern. Early talks with planning officers and neighbours help shape the design.
Can a layout keep part of my land free from development?
Yes. A layout can be drawn to leave a paddock, a garden or a buffer next to your own home outside the development, and the boundary can be fixed in any agreement. We will explain how that choice affects the number of homes, the access and the value of the land being sold.
Can you manage a site in Farnham from planning to build?
On land we take forward ourselves in Farnham and elsewhere in Surrey, including Ewell, Camberley and Banstead, we manage planning, design and construction. Tell us about the site and we will explain how we would approach it.
Read more: Architecture and Masterplanning · Guide: Planning permission explained for landowners