- Planning authority
- Thurrock Council
- Postcodes
- RM15
- Noon sun, 21 March
- About 38°
- Shadow from a 5 m eaves line
- About 6.3 m
- Planning plan
- Local Plan
- County
- Essex
How it plays out in South Ockendon
Access is where most garden plots stand or fall, in South Ockendon as anywhere. We measure every possible route in, whether a side drive, a gap left by a garage, a back lane or a shared way, and check its width, the sightlines onto the street, and the bin and emergency routes. Plots differ from one street to the next, so there is no standard answer for homes in RM15. If the way in passes over someone else’s land, the title check shows whether a right of way exists, and Thurrock Council’s highway advice shows what standard the route must meet.
How we’d take it forward in South Ockendon
From first call to a clear answer, feasibility work in South Ockendon follows a simple order: free appraisal, written quote, measured survey, title and constraints check, access and capacity study, concept designs, and pre-application advice from Thurrock Council where it helps. You get a short report setting out the options, and the choice of what happens next stays with you.
Free plot appraisal
A desktop look at your plot, access, title plan and the planning picture, plus a conversation about what you want. If it looks viable we visit. There’s no cost and no obligation at this stage.
Survey and constraints check
A measured survey of the plot and its surroundings, then a check of the title, services, trees, flood risk and heritage designations, so the design starts from facts rather than guesses.
Concept designs and pre-application
Sketch layouts and simple elevations for the strongest options. Where it will help, we take one to the council for pre-application advice before anything is submitted.
Feasibility report and options
A clear yes, no or maybe, the reasons behind it, and the routes open to you: apply for planning, build, sell or partner. You decide what happens next, with no obligation to use us for it.
Worth checking early
- A feasibility study can end in a no; finding that out early costs far less than a refused application.
- A capacity figure is not a value; what a plot is worth depends on location, size, access and planning.
- Some ecology surveys can only be done at certain times of year, which can affect the programme.
Your questions, answered for South Ockendon
Can I get pre-application advice on a garden plot in South Ockendon?
Usually, yes. Most councils offer pre-application advice, and many charge a fee for it. Thurrock Council’s website sets out its current arrangements, including how to apply, what to send and how long a response usually takes. We can prepare the information and attend any meeting for you. The advice isn’t binding, but it is a useful test before a full application.
Can you check the title deeds on my South Ockendon property?
Yes. We obtain the title register and title plan from HM Land Registry and read them for restrictive covenants, rights of way, easements and any mortgage charge. If something needs a legal opinion, we flag it so your solicitor can advise. Title issues are far better found during feasibility than halfway through a planning application or a sale.
Do I have to use you for planning after a feasibility study in South Ockendon?
No. The survey, report and concept designs are yours to use as you choose. You can take the scheme forward with us, through our planning permission or design and build services, or sell or partner on the plot with us, or use another firm. We would rather you made the decision that suits you.
Is my South Ockendon garden in a flood zone or conservation area?
Both are public information. Flood zones are shown on the flood maps for planning in England, and Thurrock Council publishes its conservation area boundaries and the listed buildings in its area. We check these as part of the free appraisal, along with Tree Preservation Orders, because each one changes what a scheme needs to show.
Other options in South Ockendon
- Combine gardens with your neighbours
- Garage courts and yards
- Bungalows on large plots
- Planning promotion for your garden plot
- Sell subject to planning
- Build a home for family in your garden