Initial guide: Land of many different sizes and shapes may justify a review. Usable area, access, planning context, neighbouring relationships and viability matter more than a single measurement.
Physical fit
Size and shape
There must be enough usable land for homes, private amenity, parking, refuse, drainage and landscaping without forcing a poor relationship with neighbours.
Road access
Width, visibility, pedestrian safety, turning, emergency access, ownership and legal rights can all be important. A gap that looks wide enough may still present highway or title difficulties.
Existing buildings and ground
Demolition, contamination, levels, retaining structures, made ground and foundations can affect design and viability.
Planning context
Policy and settlement position
The local plan, neighbourhood plan and national policy shape the principle of development. Policies can distinguish settlements, countryside and protected areas.
Neighbours and character
Privacy, outlook, daylight, noise, building scale and the established pattern of development require careful design.
Flood, trees, ecology and heritage
Flood zones and surface water, protected trees, habitats, protected species, listed buildings, conservation areas and archaeology may require evidence or mitigation.
Delivery and legal matters
Services and infrastructure
Electricity, water, foul and surface-water drainage, broadband and any required highway works need viable connections and capacity.
Ownership and rights
Title boundaries, co-owners, mortgages, covenants, easements and rights needed over neighbouring land can determine whether a scheme is deliverable.
Financial viability
The likely value of completed homes must support construction, professional fees, finance, infrastructure, planning obligations, risk and land value.
Non-binding initial checklist
Not ticking every box does not prevent an enquiry. This checklist cannot determine planning permission or land value.
What to do next
Read what to send with an enquiry or submit the postcode and basic details for an initial review.
Authoritative sources and further reading
National policy provides the broad framework, but decisions are normally made against the development plan for the local area unless material considerations indicate otherwise.