Garden Plots and Backland Development in the West Midlands

Nation: England
Planning authorities: 7
Towns we cover: 19
City: Birmingham

Sell, partner or build in the West Midlands

There are two broad routes for garden land in the West Midlands. If you want to keep your house and step back from the development, you can sell the plot to us, with or without planning, or agree a sale subject to planning, an option, promotion or a joint venture. If you want to keep the land as well, we can design, seek planning for and build a new home on it for you to sell, let or use for family.

Sell or partner

Design and build

By plot type

The planning picture in the West Midlands

Councils in the West Midlands ask the same broad questions of any backland scheme, though each answers them through its own Local Plan. Can cars get in and out safely, without unfair disturbance to neighbours? Will the new home overlook anyone or take their light? Does it fit the pattern of the area, with enough garden left for both homes? Are trees, wildlife, parking, bins and drainage properly handled? On top of that, the design has to allow for fire engine access (or other measures, often sprinklers, agreed with building control and the fire service where a fire engine can’t get close enough). The scheme must also take account of biodiversity net gain rules.

Planning authorities: Birmingham City Council, City of Wolverhampton Council, Coventry City Council, Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council, Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council, Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council, Walsall Metropolitan Borough Council.

Towns in the West Midlands

Questions about garden plots in the West Midlands

How long does planning take for a garden plot in the West Midlands?

The council usually has eight weeks from validation to decide a small application, though extensions are often agreed, and the whole process takes longer. Surveys, design work, pre-application advice and amendments all add time, and some ecology surveys can only be done at certain times of year. We’ll give you a realistic timetable for your plot rather than a promise.

Can neighbours in the West Midlands combine their gardens?

Yes. Putting two or more adjoining back gardens together can allow one shared access and a better layout than separate plots. Each owner keeps their house. The owners usually sign a collaboration agreement, with an equalisation clause so that value is shared fairly even though only one garden provides the access. Each household should take its own legal advice.

Which national rules apply to a new home in the West Midlands?

Garden schemes here sit under the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), with the local detail coming from the council’s Local Plan. New homes must also meet the Building Regulations. That affects things such as fire engine access (or other measures, often sprinklers, agreed with building control and the fire service where a fire engine can’t get close enough). On drainage you’ll usually need a drainage plan the council will want to see, and land purchases fall under Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT). We check which rules apply to your plot as part of the free appraisal.

Do you buy garden plots in the West Midlands?

Yes. We buy suitable garden plots across the West Midlands directly, with or without planning permission, always subject to survey, title and contract. We also offer sales subject to planning, options, planning promotion and joint ventures. Which route fits depends on your plot, so the starting point is a free, no-obligation appraisal.

Backland development in the West Midlands