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Planning, design and build · Somerset

New Home Construction in Bath

How are new homes built on land in Bath?

Once a site in Bath has planning permission and the pre-commencement conditions are cleared, building can start. We organise the groundworks, utilities and roads first, then build the homes in phases, with building control inspections at key stages. Every home is built to the building regulations or building standards that apply in the nation where the site sits.

Site manager in a safety helmet checking drawings on a housebuilding siteBath · BA1

Free 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

Our work around Bath

Bath (BA1) anchors our coverage of Somerset, which takes in 9 other places. Nearby, we also cover Trowbridge, Kingswood and Mangotsfield, all within 10 miles. Bath is in the South West region of England.

Projects we can take on around Bath include in-principle consents that still need detailed approval, land where self-build plots could suit the market and sites where the layout needs to change. Because Bath is in England, land titles are registered with HM Land Registry and transfers attract Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT).

If you have a site near Bath that is stuck, a short call is the best place to start.

What you get in Bath

Energy-efficient homes

Homes are designed to meet current energy standards in each nation, which increasingly means low-carbon heating, high insulation and good airtightness.

From land to keys

The people who buy or promote the land also plan the build, so the scheme that wins planning is one that can be delivered on site.

Groundworks and infrastructure

Roads, sewers, drainage and services are planned and built to the standards needed for adoption by the highway authority and water company where that applies.

Conditions cleared first

Pre-commencement conditions, legal agreements and utility connections are dealt with before work begins, so the build starts on a sound footing.

Planning and land rules in Bath

In England, most planning applications for new homes in Bath are decided by the local planning authority, usually the council, using its Local Plan and the National Planning Policy Framework. Many landowners sell without planning, either outright or through an option or promotion agreement that funds the application first. Land to Homes offers a free site appraisal, pays your reasonable legal fees on option and promotion agreements, and can buy suitable sites directly, subject to survey, title and contract.

In England, homes are built to the Building Regulations and signed off by council building control or a registered building control approver. Higher-risk residential buildings go through the Building Safety Regulator. Energy standards are being raised through the Future Homes Standard, and most developments must also deliver the biodiversity net gain agreed at planning.

Key rules in Bath
Local planning documentLocal Plan
Who decides applicationsThe local planning authority, usually the district, borough, city or unitary council (or a national park authority)
In-principle consentOutline planning permission, with reserved matters approved later
Land registrationHM Land Registry

Questions about New Home Construction in Bath

What are building regulations?

Building regulations set minimum standards for the design and construction of buildings, including structure, fire safety, energy efficiency, drainage and accessibility. England, Wales and Northern Ireland each have their own regulations, approved through building control. Scotland has building standards, and work needs a building warrant from the council before it starts and a completion certificate at the end.

What happens to the roads and sewers on a new development?

On many developments the new roads are built to the highway authority's standards and then adopted, so the council maintains them. Sewers can similarly be adopted by the water company. Where roads or open spaces are not adopted, they are usually looked after by a management company funded by residents, and buyers should check this before reserving.

Do new homes have to be energy efficient?

Yes. Each nation's building regulations or building standards set energy efficiency requirements for new homes, and these have been tightened over recent years. In Scotland, new homes generally need zero direct emissions heating, such as heat pumps. England and Wales are moving to higher standards through updates to their own regulations.

Does Land to Homes build the homes itself?

Land to Homes manages planning, design and construction on the sites it brings forward, and is part of the S&K Group, a construction and property group. Construction is carried out with contractors and suppliers under our management. Because we plan land with building in mind, the schemes we take to planning are designed to be delivered.

Do you take on planning and building work in Bath?

Yes, on sites we buy, option, promote or develop in partnership in Bath and elsewhere in Somerset, including Burnham-on-Sea, Taunton and Yeovil. We do not take on planning or building work for third parties as a consultancy.

Read more: New Home Construction · Guide: Buying a new-build home: what to expect from reservation to keys

Own land that could take new homes?

Start with a free, no-obligation site appraisal. On option and promotion agreements we fund the planning work and pay your reasonable legal fees.

CallFree appraisal