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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.

Latest articles


We’re Proud to Be Named Sustainable Business of the Year! 🌱

We’re thrilled to share that The National Self Build & Renovation Centre has been awarded ‘Sustainable Business of the Year’ at the 2025 TBE (The Business Exchange) Awards!

The awards evening took place right here at our own venue in Swindon - using our spacious and unique setting to celebrate the incredible achievements of local businesses across Swindon, Wiltshire, Bath and Somerset.

We've officially launched our Brand New Retrofit Zone at the Centre!

We have now officially opened our inspiring new Retrofit Zone, a hands-on exhibit showing homeowners exactly how to upgrade their homes for better comfort, efficiency, and sustainability. If you’re looking to make your home cosier, cheaper to run and kinder to the planet, then this is a must-visit exhibit!

We were delighted to have local MP, Sarah Gibson, join us to cut the ribbon at the new exhibit’s official launch on Friday 7th November - just hours after we took home the title of ‘Sustainable Business of the Year’ at The Business Exchange Awards 2025. This recognition reflects our ongoing commitment to helping build better, sustainable homes, and doing better, sustainable business.

Our MD Harvey Fremlin Shortlisted for ‘Employee Owner of the Year’ at EO Awards

We are delighted that our fantastic MD Harvey Fremlin has been shortlisted for 'Employee Owner of the Year' in the prestigious UK Employee Ownership Awards! 👏🌟 Harvey has led our team of employee-owners since 2014 with incredible passion & vision and has taken the business from strength to strength over the past 11 years.

The awards, hosted by the eoa and sponsored by Baxendale Employee Ownership, recognise businesses and individuals who drive effective EO practices and empower employee owners to unlock Great EO impacts.

The National Self Build & Renovation Show: Friday 30th January - Sunday 1st February


Create your perfect home at The National Self Build & Renovation Show! Join us for three days of 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