Who to check site suitability?

V

Vera

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My h2b has been offered a site from his father to build a house. Before taking this particular site how do we go about finding out if this site is suitable for building a house on. Is getting a percolation test done enough? The site is close to his father's house on a side road doubt there will be any problem with planning permission as there plenty of one off houses built or being built in the area. All advice appreciated.
 
Percolation tests are needed and worthwhile so get them done. After that - it depends on how much money you want to spend.

Generally I would advise engaging an engineer to do site suitability tests such a trial holes to see what kind of foundations will be required.

If the ground is suitable for percolation (septic tank) and for normal foundations then it should be fine.

However you can never fully tell what condition the ground is in without a Geotechnical Survey - this is very expensive though - most people just go for trial holes and percolation testing.

After that get a good architect to see if what you want will fit on the site.

Planning is always an issue though - just because there are other one-off houses in the area doesn't mean that they didn't sweat blood to get the permission or that your site will follow suit.

A few things to think about regarding the planning issue - is the site near any area of special amenity, or in a conservation area or heritage area - has the area been zoned for anything in particular - all this may be checked out in the Council's Development Plan and Development Plan Maps - have a look at them first, then percolation, then engineer & architect.

Good luck
 
Your number one concern should be whether it will get Planning or not.
Just because there are lots of other one-offs around the place doesn't mean you'll get Planning. (In fact it might count against you).

Depending on where you live, it might be possible to meet a Planner in the Local Authority. Bring an O.S. Map of the area as well as some photographs. If not talk to an architect/ experienced engineer/architectural technician etc. who is familiar with the area.

Percolation (at this stage) could be easily checked by yourself - is the area prone to flooding? Is it near a stream/river? Do you have a reasonable amount of land (1/2 acre+)?
Worst case scenario, you might be able to a proprietary treatment unit on his father's land. (it's a little messy legally of course).

If you are fairly convinced of getting Planning, you might also look into transferring the land before it gets Planning - for tax purposes (Agricultural Land values as opposed to development land values).
 
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