From Paddock to Planning Permission

Scott Moore
May 5
3 min read

Updated: Jun 10

From Paddock to Planning Permission: A Guide to Promoting Edge-of-Village Land

Across rural England, small parcels of land; especially paddocks or fields on the edge of villages are becoming increasingly valuable for housing development. While they may look modest in scale, these plots often play a significant role in meeting local housing needs, especially where councils face pressure to deliver a five-year housing land supply.

At TMDP LLP, we help landowners understand the development potential of these plots and navigate the complex planning process. If you’re sitting on a piece of edge-of-village land, it may be worth far more than you think.

Why Edge-of-Village Sites Hold Value

National and local planning policy often restricts development in open countryside. However, land that adjoins or rounds off existing settlements can sometimes be treated more favourably particularly where:

The local authority cannot demonstrate a five-year housing land supply
The village has key services such as a shop, school, or bus route
The proposal supports local needs, like affordable or self-build housing

Such sites are often ideal for a small-scale, characterful development that respects the landscape while contributing to local vitality.

How to Promote Your Land for Development

Success begins with the right strategy. At TMDP, we guide clients through a phased approach that positions their land for development; whether immediately or as part of a longer-term plan.

Call-for-Sites and Local Plan Review

Local authorities periodically invite land submissions during plan reviews. Submitting your land through the “call-for-sites” process can ensure it’s assessed as part of housing land allocations.

Strategic Housing and Employment Land Availability Assessment (SHELAA)

A SHELAA is a technical document used by councils to assess available land for housing. While it’s not a guarantee of allocation, a positive SHELAA assessment can significantly strengthen future planning applications.

Planning Appraisal

We begin by reviewing your land against local and national planning policy, identifying access potential, constraints (e.g. ecology, heritage, flood risk), and likelihood of support.

Pre-Application Engagement

In some cases, engaging early with the planning authority can clarify what scale or type of development might be acceptable. This helps shape a proposal that’s realistic and policy-aligned.

Outline or Full Planning Applications

Depending on your goals, we’ll develop a masterplan or site layout and prepare all necessary reports; access strategy, design statement, landscaping, and drainage plans, before submitting to the council.

Key Considerations

Access & Highways: Vehicle access is a common sticking point. We work with transport consultants to design solutions that meet Highways standards.
Landscape & Setting: Visual impact on the village edge is crucial. Sensitive layouts, native planting, and local materials are all part of our design approach.
Drainage: Sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) are often required to manage runoff. We’ll help you identify viable solutions early on.
Community Support: Small schemes that deliver real local benefits, such as bungalows, self-build plots, or affordable housing, can garner support from both planners and neighbours.

Legacy Value, Not Just Profit

Promoting land for development isn’t just about short-term gain. It’s an opportunity to shape the future of your land and your legacy. Whether you’re looking to diversify income, support a family member’s self-build project, or contribute to local housing supply, edge-of-village land can be part of a broader estate or succession plan.