Backland Development
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Garden plot feasibility and design in Failsworth

A feasibility study for a Failsworth garden plot ends with a straight answer: yes, no or maybe. Yes comes with a scheme that looks capable of planning permission. No comes with the reason. Maybe comes with what would need to change, such as a covenant released or a neighbour’s agreement.

From there you can apply for planning, build on the land, sell it or bring in a partner, or simply leave things as they are. We cover homes in and around Failsworth, and the first step, a free plot appraisal, costs nothing and commits you to nothing. You also keep every drawing and report you pay for.

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Surveyor in a hi-vis vest taking GPS measurements in a long suburban back garden
Planning authority
Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council
Postcodes
M35
Noon sun, 21 March
About 36°
Shadow from a 5 m eaves line
About 6.8 m
Planning plan
Local Plan
County
Greater Manchester

How it plays out in Failsworth

A measured survey in Failsworth records the plot exactly: boundaries, levels, trees, drains, and the positions and heights of neighbouring windows. It is the base for everything else. From it we can plot the shadow a two-storey eaves line would cast, roughly 6.8 m at noon on 21 March when the sun is near 36° here, and the distances between the new home and the houses around it. Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council will expect the application drawings to be accurate to a survey like this.

Section showing noon sun and shadows in Failsworth: about 36 degrees on 21 March and 13 degrees on 21 December21 m21 Mar, noon: sun 36°, shadow 6.8 m21 Dec, noon: sun 13°, shadow 21.6 mExistingNew home
Noon sun in Failsworth on 21 March sits about 36° above the horizon, so a typical two-storey eaves line (about 5 m) throws a shadow of roughly 6.8 m. In December the sun is only about 13° up and shadows stretch much further. Drawn for a garden facing north, where it matters most.

From first call to decision

Here’s how feasibility starts in Failsworth. You tell us about the plot, by phone or through the form, and we carry out a free desktop appraisal of access, title plan and planning context. If it looks viable we visit. If you want to go further, we send a written scope and quote for survey, constraints check and capacity study, and nothing starts until you agree.

  1. 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.

  2. Scope and written quote

    If you want to go further, we set out which surveys and checks your plot needs and what they will cost, in writing. Nothing is commissioned until you have agreed the scope and the price.

  3. Access and capacity study

    We test each workable route in and the number, size and position of homes the plot could hold, against separation distances, garden space, parking, bins and daylight for neighbours.

  4. 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.

Worth checking early

  • Pre-application advice is not binding, and the council’s decision on a formal application can still differ.
  • Title problems such as covenants, ransom strips or missing rights of way can take time and money to resolve.
  • Some ecology surveys can only be done at certain times of year, which can affect the programme.

Your questions, answered for Failsworth

What if my Failsworth garden plot fails the feasibility check?

Then you know before spending money on a planning application, and you know why. Sometimes a smaller scheme, an annexe, or working with the neighbours next door changes the answer, and we will say if so. If nothing does, you keep the survey and the report for the future. You are under no obligation to us either way.

How much does a feasibility study cost in Failsworth?

It depends on the plot. A simple garden with a clear drive needs less work than one with protected trees, a flood zone or a complicated title. The first appraisal is free. After that we set out the scope and the price in writing, and you choose whether to go ahead before anything is commissioned.

Can I get pre-application advice on a garden plot in Failsworth?

Usually, yes. Most councils offer pre-application advice, and many charge a fee for it. Oldham Metropolitan Borough 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.

How many homes could fit in my garden in Failsworth?

That is what a capacity study answers. It tests options against separation distances from neighbours, garden space for each home, parking, bins and access, as well as the policies Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council applies. For many gardens the answer is one home; larger or combined plots can sometimes take more. We show the options on drawings so you can see why.

Other options in Failsworth

Feasibility and design near Failsworth

Find out what your garden could become

Free garden plot appraisal. No cost, no obligation, and a straight answer if it won’t work.

Get my free appraisal 0800 088 6248