- Nation
- Wales
- National planning policy
- Planning Policy Wales
- Planning authorities
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- Cardiff
What to know in South Glamorgan
Some of the work on a family home in South Glamorgan happens underground and on paper. Rainwater from the new roof and paths often needs approval from the SuDS Approval Body (SAB) before building starts, and the Welsh requirement to deliver a net benefit for biodiversity can also apply, so a quick ecology check belongs early in the process. If a council here charges the Community Infrastructure Levy, the self-build or annexe exemption has to be claimed before anyone breaks ground, or it is lost. None of this is difficult when it is planned, but each item can hold up a start date if it is left late.
Planning authorities covering South Glamorgan include Cardiff Council, Vale of Glamorgan 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 as they apply in Wales 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 South Glamorgan
Questions about family home in your garden in South Glamorgan
How long does planning take for an annexe in South Glamorgan?
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.
Is CIL charged on family homes in South Glamorgan?
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 South Glamorgan?
Yes, we cover garden plots throughout South Glamorgan, including in and around Cardiff, Barry, Penarth and Llantwit Major. 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.
Can you build a new home in my garden in South Glamorgan for me to keep?
Yes. Through our design and build route we survey your plot, design a new home with you, apply for planning and, once permission is granted, build it. You keep the land and the new home, to sell, let or use for family. You get a written quote after design and survey, and any earlier guide price is a guide only.