Planning permission for a perfect pied-a-terre

A plot of land in a pretty Buckinghamshire village is on the market with planning permission for an architect-designed, 110 square metre (1,183 square feet) house. Savills’ Milton Keynes office has been appointed to sell the triangular building plot, presently a walled garden, in Bryne Lane, Padbury, mid-way between Milton Keynes and Bicester and roughly equidistant from the M1 and M40.

According to Ivor Lafford of Savills, Byways Corner could prove the perfect self-build opportunity for a city dweller looking for a country pied-à-terre. He says: “It’s unusual to find a plot of land in a conservation area, right at the heart of such an attractive village, which will get consent for a new house. But all the hard work has been done, the local council has given its blessing to the design and it just remains for us to find the right buyer.”

The architects, Jeremy Emmerson and Stephen Luxford of Niche Living Limited, used old photographs and historic maps to shape the future use of the site. Previous attempts by other developers to gain planning permission failed on design grounds but Niche’s successful proposal was fully endorsed by Aylesbury Vale District Council, whose historic buildings officer commented: “The deceptively simple design complements the conservation area and setting of the adjacent listed building. It is a pleasure to see such an interesting design and intelligent use of a restricted site . . .”

The front of the new two-bedroomed dwelling will follow the curve of Bryne Lane, with open space behind; a contemporary clerestory of roof lights will bring daylight into the bedrooms and large glazed openings on the garden side will contrast well with the more solid road-side façade. Natural construction materials and energy efficiency, including high insulation levels and solar water heating, form an important part of the design.

Savills is inviting unconditional offers on the Byways Corner plot with a guide of £115,000, for purchase by private treaty, by Friday 26 September.

For more information, contact Ivor Lafford, Savills Milton Keynes - ilafford@savills.com.