National Self Build & Renovation Centre Logo close Menu
Book Free Now

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

230721_NSBRC_13965.jpg

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

Kimberly Corps.jpg

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


April Trade Village Newsletter 2025

New Partners & Upgraded Stands Edition

We are proud to introduce some of our newest exhibitors and fresh, upgraded stands at the Centre. Our partners are experts in self build and renovation, and are highly engaged in this community. Visit our upcoming events to meet them and explore their amazing displays!

Keep reading to discover the latest offerings at the NSBRC...

VIEW THE FULL LIST OF EXHIBITORS AT THE NSBRC

Seize the Moment: Why Now Is the Perfect Time to Self Build Your Dream Home

We received this blog from longstanding exhibitor, Fleming Homes and found the piece inspiring, and wanted to share this with you. We hope this offers encouragement as you embark on your homebuilding project.

"Do not wait until the conditions are perfect to begin. Beginning makes the conditions perfect." Alan Cohen*

Alan Cohen's quote captures a powerful truth that’s particularly relevant to self-building. When the housing market feels uncertain, when interest rates continue to feel elevated in comparison with the record lows of 2020-2021, or when material prices fluctuate, it’s tempting to put the brakes on our plans - to hold off until things calm down.

The Homebuilding Centre Limited - now majority owned by its employees!

Since 2014, our award-winning visitor centre (The National Self Build & Renovation Centre / NSBRC) has been owned and operated by ‘The Homebuilding Centre Limited’, an employee-owned business. We welcomed our first visitors to the NSBRC in 2007 and, eighteen years on, we remain the UK’s only permanent exhibition centre designed specifically to meet the needs of individual self-builders, renovators and home improvers.

The National Self Build & Renovation Show: Friday 31st Jan - Sunday 2nd Feb 2025


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