Working with local architect Colin Potter of Architeco (www.architeco.net) helped ensure a smooth planning journey for Malcolm and George Stalker. “We were keen to work with an architect familiar with the area and common planning issues here,” says Malcolm. The design passed muster first time out, thanks to well-considered details such as pushing the house slightly further back on the site to avoid impeding a neighbour’s prized view in the spectacular Mull of Kintyre setting
Steven and Janine Carney’s plans to build a new oak frame home on their land for Janine’s parents were knocked back several times. But they ultimately won permission for the sizeable house they wanted thanks to advice from consultants Matthews & Goodman (www.matthews-goodman.co.uk), who identified the couple would have better luck applying for an annexe rather than a separate dwelling. The final design by Welsh Oak Frame includes a link building with two separate garages and a room with balcony above, so there’s no direct access between the houses
Buying into an 11-plot custom build development gave the Jewells a relatively straightforward path to planning, although they were restricted to a predetermined footprint as one of the conditions imposed by the council. To navigate this, they constructed the house with a future extension in mind. In 2020, three years after completing the original build, they applied for and won planning to extend and get the home they wanted