What is a small housing development?

A small housing development is a scheme of a few new homes, typically two to nine, on a single site. We work with landowners, small developers and investors to build schemes that already have planning permission, or help take a site through planning first.
How much does a small housing development cost in Ashington?
In Ashington, a small housing development typically costs £1,600–£2,450 per m² of floor area (build cost), including VAT at 0% (zero-rated for qualifying new dwellings). For a typical 400 m² project that is roughly £640,000–£980,000. We start from a UK-wide guide and adjust it for the North East, where labour and materials are typically about 10% below average. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (280 m²) | £448,000–£686,000 |
| Typical project (400 m²) | £640,000–£980,000 |
| Larger project (560 m²) | £896,000–£1,372,000 |
| Rate per m² | £1,600–£2,450 |
Your quote will depend mainly on:
- Roads, sewers and adoption agreements
- Site access and phasing
- Number and size of homes
- Planning conditions and obligations
Your exact price depends on the survey and drawings. The guide price tool gives a quick range in the meantime.
Do you need planning permission for a small housing development in Ashington?
Before anything is built in Ashington, we confirm which approvals apply in England. In England small schemes need full planning permission and may involve a section 106 agreement, the Community Infrastructure Levy, highways and drainage approvals, and biodiversity net gain where it applies.
Building regulations approval comes from the council’s building control service or a registered building control approver. The work is inspected at key stages, such as foundations, drainage and insulation, and a completion certificate is issued at the end.
At the survey we check your house’s planning history and any restrictions, and tell you which route applies.
What we handle
Handled as part of most small housing developments:
- Warranty and building control inspections
- External works and landscaping
- Pre-construction cost plan
- Utility connections
- Handover packs for each home
- House construction to building regulations
How long does it take?
Allow 12 to 24 months depending on scheme size. Before that, surveys, drawings and approvals usually take 6 to 12 months, longer if the council asks for changes.
Building in Ashington
Across the North East, colliery-era terraces and newer estates sit side by side, so the right project depends on the house type.
Projects in Ashington (NE63) are surveyed in person before we quote, so the price reflects your actual property.
How it works
- 01
Visit and measured survey
A free visit to understand the project, check access and take measurements.
- 02
Drawings and written quote
We prepare the design and give you a written, itemised quote with inclusions and exclusions.
- 03
Approvals
Planning or permitted development confirmation, building regulations and any party wall matters.
- 04
Construction and completion
We build, put right any snags and hand over the building control certificate.
Questions about small housing developments in Ashington
What about biodiversity net gain?
In England, biodiversity net gain rules apply to many developments, with exemptions for some small sites. We work with your ecologist to confirm what applies to your scheme.
Can you help with planning?
Yes. We coordinate the architect or designer and, where needed, a planning consultant.
Is VAT charged on new homes?
Construction of qualifying new dwellings is normally zero-rated for VAT.
Who approves a small housing development in Ashington?
Planning matters in Ashington go to the council covering your address, and the work needs building control approval. We prepare and submit the applications for you.
How much does a small housing development cost in Ashington?
In Ashington, a small housing development typically costs £1,600–£2,450 per m² of floor area (build cost), including VAT at 0% (zero-rated for qualifying new dwellings). A typical 400 m² project comes to roughly £640,000–£980,000. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
