After passing a building site every day on her way to work, Anne Morrison wonders whether, now that it’s for sale, the land could offer potential for a self-built home for her and husband Jimmy. Mike Dade takes a closer look at this site’s potential

Mike Dade

PLOT WATCH: Mike Dade investigates

WHO Anne & Jimmy Morrison

WHAT A plot with planning permission in place for three new houses, one of which is already partially built

WHERE Essex

Jimmy and Anne Morrison have been looking to take on a self-build project in Essex. They’d like to construct a house for themselves, plus another property or two to sell on. Anne was inspired by a small development site located on her daily commute, where there was permission for three detached houses. She watched as works got under way, but, with the fabric of one house almost complete, she noticed the project had ground to a halt. A ‘for sale’ sign has recently appeared. Could this be the ideal building site for her and Jimmy?

Investigating the permission

The plot lies on the edge of a village, close to local facilities and fronting the main street. It slopes up quite steeply at the back, so any properties constructed here would be limited in terms of garden space. One of the three houses permitted is already largely complete and appears to be well-built, with a clay tile roof topping stock brick elevations. The remainder of the plot is quite overgrown.