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Free Online Planning Surgery

Join us on Thursday 17th (7-8pm) for a one-off, free, online panel discussion, ahead of February's Design, Planning & Sustainability Eco Workshop.

This one-hour informal discussion is the second of a series of special one-off events as we celebrate 15 years of the NSBRC. We believe it will prove an insightful session, that we hope you will find helpful for your project. Our panel will share their views and will tackle attendee’s questions during the session.

Planning Surgery

Thursday 17th February – 7pm to 8pm.

Join our highly-experienced expert panel for a special, online only event, as we discuss one of the key topics affecting self builders; navigating Planning.

We’ll discuss the planning system, how you can best prepare a successful application and costly pit-falls to avoid.

One important part of any building project is gaining planning permission. We get a lot of questions about planning and we are aware that this is an emotive, and sometimes stressful, subject for many people!

This 60 minute (7pm – 8pm) surgery is delivered on Zoom. It features two seminars, designed for self-builders and delivered by genuine planning experts, plus a short Q&A session to get your planning queries answered!

Tickets must be booked in advance.

Our expert panel includes:


Mark Doodes, Independent Planning Consultant

MD Planning Seminar: Planning advice for self builders

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Mark will go through the key stages of obtaining planning permission and will advise on how to steer around the many complexities and quirks of the UK planning system.

Kimberly Corps, Planning Services Manager - Swindon Borough Council

Seminar: Demystifying the Planning System

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What is Planning Permission?
•Permitted Development Rights
•Retrospective Planning
•Failure to obtain/comply with Planning Permission
•Introduction to the Pre-Application Service and Local Authority Building Control

Click here to register for free via Eventbrite.

Once you've registered we’ll be in touch shortly to send you an exclusive link to the zoom session.

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The National Self Build & Renovation Centre (NSBRC) recently hosted two Partner Forum events, bringing together our exhibitors for business updates, sector insights and valuable networking opportunities.

The first forum, held in Blackburn, our ‘North’ edition, took place on Tuesday 10th March at Ultrapanel, home of the innovative 'Ultra Home' concept. The event opened with introductions from Harvey Fremlin and Helen Wildin, who welcomed attendees and provided an overview of their venue. In March, the team at the Centre are aiming to spend more time offsite to learn more about our partner’s offerings and latest news.

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Exciting changes are happening at the centre! To make way for new exhibits, some of the old ones need to be taken down, which means building work will be taking place. This work will continue on weekdays throughout March, but we’ll still be open for visits as usual.

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The National Self Build & Renovation Show: Friday 15th & Saturday 16th May


Create your perfect home at The National Self Build & Renovation Show! Join us for an unrivalled line up of exhibitors and experts on hand to share their advice, this is an unmissable event for anyone thinking of self building or renovating their home.

The National Self Build & Renovation Show