Plots can vary in size, from massive ones with multiple hectares to tiny infill sites. However, you should not dive into a project thinking you can use all of the space. There can be a number of different things to restrict how much land you have to build on. We want to look at that here today, then if you need to hire an architect in London, you can speak to us.

Setbacks

One of the major things that can limit the usable space on a plot is setbacks. A setback is the amount of distance you need to leave between the home and things like the property line, roads, and waterways.

The rules for each setback can differ massively by area and plot. Sometimes they can be very restrictive. In other cases there is a bit more flexibility, especially with the right designs.

One of the biggest things to think about is easements. An easement is a piece of land where the right of use is granted to people who don’t possess it. This can be a tricky term to understand. In a basic sense it is land that you can’t build on because you have to allow other people to access it. This may be necessary because of something like an underground sewer line or an overhead power line. You have to leave enough space around the easements.

Some plots also have setbacks because they don’t have access to public utilities like sewers or water mains. In these cases they need a septic tank for waste and a well or tank for water. There are setback requirements with both for health and safety. You may need to talk to an architect in London to create a site design to incorporate them.

Topography

Another thing that can have an impact on how much land you have to build on is the topographical layout of the site. There may be physical features of the land that make it difficult or impossible to build on. This could be steep slopes, floodplains, or even poor quality soil.

The positive thing here is good design can often overcome challenging topographies. For example, you may be able to use a cut and fill technique for sloping sites. It can also be viable to use stilts or piles for plots with bad soil.

Surveys

The best thing to do when you consider plots is to speak to a professional surveyor. They can look at the site and give you info about the setbacks and topography. Having this knowledge will help prevent issues with the design and planning.

Discuss your project with an architect in London

Making the most of a plot is important, especially in the UK where large plots can be scarce in towns and cities. An innovative design could create a stunning home on even the most challenging sites. This should work with the restrictions but use them to shape the designs rather than acting as a limitation.

The best thing to do is work with creative experts. We can fit that bill if you want an architect in London. Our award winning team will support you with every aspect of the design and can be a great asset when it comes to getting planning permission. So, contact us to get started.