For developers & investors · North London
Can I build on a gap site, garage block or rear garden plot?
Small sites, garage blocks and rear plots turned into approvable schemes. Access, overlooking, BNG and planning policy tested before you buy.
Reviewed by Dor Cohen, RIBA Chartered Architect, ARB Registered
Infill & backland in short
Often, if access, neighbour privacy and local policy can be satisfied. Infill and backland schemes need full planning permission, and councils look closely at overlooking, character, access for refuse and fire services, and biodiversity. We test these in 3D first, so you know whether the site is approvable before you spend on design.
Who it's for
- Small developers and self-builders
- Owners of garage blocks or yards
- Homeowners with large rear gardens
What we deliver, stage by stage
Stage 0–1
Access, overlooking and policy review with 3D massing options for the plot.
Stage 2
Concept scheme in 3D with area schedules, so the numbers and the design are tested together.
Stage 3
Planning drawings, design and access statement and coordination of specialist reports, managed through to a decision.
Stage 4+
Technical drawings and specification written with a contractor's eye, so tenders come back accurate.
Planning and regulations that apply
General guidance only. Rules change and every site is different, so we confirm what applies to yours.
- Planning permissionNew dwellings on infill or backland plots need full planning permission.
- Biodiversity Net GainSmall sites must also deliver biodiversity net gain unless an exemption applies. GOV.UK: Biodiversity Net Gain
- AccessCouncils check fire appliance and refuse access, which can rule out narrow plots.
Local planning knowledge
Infill & backland across North London and South Hertfordshire
Every council reads the national rules through its own guidance. Here's what usually matters in the boroughs we work in.
Barnet
Barnet Residential Design Guidance SPD
Barnet's growth areas such as Brent Cross and Colindale take higher density; elsewhere suburban character and parking policy shape what a site can yield.
Camden
Camden Planning Guidance: Home Improvements
Camden expects high design quality and affordable housing contributions on qualifying schemes; conservation areas cover much of the borough.
Brent
Brent Residential Extensions and Alterations SPD
Brent has major growth areas around Wembley and along transport corridors, where taller, denser schemes are supported in principle.
Haringey
Haringey Local Plan and conservation area appraisals
Haringey's east has regeneration areas, while western neighbourhoods like Highgate and Muswell Hill are more constrained by heritage.
Harrow
Harrow Residential Design Guide SPD
Harrow directs most growth to Harrow town centre and Wealdstone; suburban sites are judged on character and parking.
Hertsmere
Hertsmere Local Plan and Green Belt policy
Green Belt covers most of Hertsmere, so development is focused on existing towns such as Borehamwood and Potters Bar.
Is your site in a conservation area?
Enter your full address to check conservation areas, listed buildings, Article 4, Green Belt and flood zones before you design anything.
Check your address
Common risks and how we handle them
- Overlooking existing gardensWindow positions and heights are tested in 3D against neighbouring homes.
- Inadequate accessWe check access widths early with the measured survey.
Related
Questions
Everything you need to know about working with DOR Architects.
Building on land behind existing properties, such as rear gardens, usually reached by a side access.
Many are, but access, rights of way and neighbour impact need checking first.
It depends on local policy and character. Some boroughs resist garden development, so a feasibility check matters.
Just the address and any title plan. We gather the rest.
Yes. We're based in Golders Green, North West London, and work on infill & backland across Barnet, Camden, Brent, Haringey, Harrow and South Hertfordshire. Each council has its own design guidance, which we check for your site from the start.
Use our free conservation area and site checker. Enter the full address and it checks conservation areas, listed buildings, Article 4 directions, Green Belt and flood zones, then explains what each means.
Councils aim to decide minor applications within 8 weeks and major applications within 13 weeks of validation. Pre-application advice beforehand usually adds a few weeks but reduces risk.
Tell us about your site
Send us a WhatsApp message with the address and your aims. We'll reply with next steps.