The kinds of garden land that can become a new home
Most backland plots fall into a handful of types: long rear gardens, wide corner or side plots, garage courts and yards, plots reached by a narrow or shared drive, and bungalows on big plots. Each has its own planning questions and its own best route.
Large rear gardens
Long back gardens with room for a home behind: what councils look for, layouts that fit, and both ways to go ahead.
Learn more about large rear gardensCorner and side plots
Wide side gardens and corner plots that could take a home facing the street, with both ways to go ahead explained.
Learn more about corner and side plotsGarage courts and yards
Garage blocks, lock-ups and old yards behind houses: the rights, checks and access issues, and both routes forward.
Learn more about garage courts and yardsTandem and landlocked plots
Land behind with a narrow, shared or missing way in: tandem layouts, rights of way, ransom strips and buying an access.
Learn more about tandem and landlocked plotsBungalows on large plots
Keep your bungalow and add a home behind or beside it, or replace it with more homes: what councils check and your options.
Learn more about bungalows on large plots