- Nation
- England
- National planning policy
- NPPF
- Planning authorities
- 2
- County town
- Shrewsbury
How councils in Shropshire look at it
Councils across Shropshire 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 Shropshire include Shropshire Council, Telford and Wrekin 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 Shropshire
Questions about family home in your garden in Shropshire
Is CIL charged on family homes in Shropshire?
Some councils charge the Community Infrastructure Levy and some don’t, so it depends where your house is. Where it applies, a self-build exemption and an exemption for residential annexes are available, but they must be claimed before work starts on site, together with a commencement notice. We check the position for your address during the free appraisal.
Do you build family homes across all of Shropshire?
Yes, we cover garden plots throughout Shropshire, including in and around Telford, Shrewsbury, Wellington and Oswestry. 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 in Shropshire?
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.
How long does planning take for a garden plot in Shropshire?
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.