THE MIDLANDS PROPERT Y GUIDE GARRY THOMAS
Garry Thomas
Thomas Studio Architects
HIDDEN ASSETS: COULD 2026 BE THE YEAR YOU UNLOCK YOUR GARDEN'S POTENTIAL?
The patch of land by your house might be more valuable than you think. Architect Garry Thomas explains why 2026 could be the year to unlock its potential.
If you're standing in your garden wondering how to help elderly parents move closer, accommodate a returning adult child, or create some financial breathing room, the answer might be right beneath your feet. Backland development, building a new home in your garden or paddock, is quietly transforming how families across Herefordshire, Warwickshire, and the Cotswolds are solving their housing challenges.
The beauty of backland plots is their versatility. I've designed charming annexes for aging relatives who want independence without isolation, contemporary starter homes for grown children navigating impossible property prices, and luxury downsizer residences allowing owners to unlock capital while staying in their community. For some, it's about family; for others, it's a shrewd investment that significantly increases their property's value.
Why now? Backland development offers the fastest route through planning compared to open countryside schemes. If your plot sits within the village envelope with reasonable access, you're already halfway there. The key is understanding what planners look for: appropriate scale, sympathetic design,
adequate parking, and minimal impact on neighbours.
Of course, not every garden qualifies. Success depends on a ccess width (typically 4.8 metres minimum), plot size, relationship to neighbouring properties, and local design policies. But with the right site and experienced guidance, you could have planning permission within months rather than years.
As we enter 2026, I'm seeing more families recognise that their land isn't just lawn and landscaping - it's opportunity. Whether you're motivated by family needs or financial pragmatism, backland development deserves serious consideration.
The question isn't whether your garden could hide a home. It's whether you're ready to discover what's possible.
Garry Thomas is a RIBA Chartered Architect and director of Thomas Studio Architects, specialising in complex planning applications across the Welsh Marches and Cotswolds. If you have a backland project idea, want to get a sense if it’s possible and essential planning advice, look on
www.thomasstudio.co.uk Or contact Garry Thomas on
info@thomasstudio.co.uk T: 01432 804100
LIVE24-SEVEN.COM
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