- Nation
- England
- National planning policy
- NPPF
- Planning authorities
- 1
- County town
- Newport
How councils on the Isle of Wight look at it
Councils across the Isle of Wight tend to look harder at a separate home in a back garden than at an annexe linked to the main house. A separate dwelling has to stand on its own, with its own garden, parking, bins and 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). An annexe usually needs less, but the council will want to see that it really will be used with the house, and will normally add a condition to keep it that way. The shape, width and access of your plot usually decide which case is stronger.
Planning authorities covering the Isle of Wight include Isle of Wight Council.
How it works
Free plot appraisal
We look at your plot, access and the planning picture from the desk, talk through who will live in the new home, and visit if it looks viable. There’s no cost and no obligation.
Annexe or separate home
We set out both routes for your plot, covering what each means for planning, ownership, council tax, CIL and VAT, so you can decide with your family and advisers before design starts.
Survey and design
A measured survey, then a design built around the person moving in: step-free routes, a ground-floor bedroom if needed and privacy for both households. You get a written quote after design and survey.
Planning and approvals
We prepare and submit the planning application and manage it with the council, which makes the decision. Before work starts, approval under the Building Regulations is in place and any CIL exemption has been claimed.
Build and handover
We build while you carry on living next door, with access, deliveries and working hours agreed up front. At handover you get the completion certificate and the paperwork you’ll need for council tax, lenders and any VAT claim.
Family home in your garden in towns across the Isle of Wight
Questions about family home in your garden on the Isle of Wight
Do you build family homes across all of the Isle of Wight?
Yes, we cover garden plots throughout the Isle of Wight, including in and around Newport, Ryde, Cowes and Sandown. Every enquiry starts with a free desktop appraisal of the plot and the planning context, and we arrange a site visit if the scheme looks viable. Design, planning and build follow only if you decide to go ahead.
How long does planning take for an annexe on the Isle of Wight?
Usually a few months from a valid application, though it varies between councils and with how many changes are needed. Applications that draw objections or need extra reports take longer. Pre-application advice adds time at the start but often saves it later by flagging problems before you apply.
Do councils on the Isle of Wight allow annexes for elderly parents?
They can, where the annexe is clearly linked to the main house and the plot can take it without harming neighbours or the character of the area. Each council decides its own applications against its local policies, so what is acceptable on one street may not be on another. Councils covering the Isle of Wight include Isle of Wight Council.
Do I need my own solicitor to sell a plot on the Isle of Wight?
Yes, always. Your solicitor checks the contract, deals with the transfer of part at HM Land Registry and asks your mortgage lender to release the plot if the house is mortgaged. On option and promotion agreements we cover your reasonable legal fees, with the cap agreed in heads of terms before work starts.