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 Frome?
In Frome, a small housing development typically costs £1,850–£2,750 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 £740,000–£1,100,000. Prices in the South West sit near the national average for this kind of work, and the range for Frome reflects that. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (280 m²) | £518,000–£770,000 |
| Typical project (400 m²) | £740,000–£1,100,000 |
| Larger project (560 m²) | £1,036,000–£1,540,000 |
| Rate per m² | £1,850–£2,750 |
The main things that change the cost:
- Specification
- Planning conditions and obligations
- Roads, sewers and adoption agreements
- Number and size of homes
A guide range is only a starting point: the guide price tool gives an instant figure for your size, and a free survey turns it into a fixed quote.
Do you need planning permission for a small housing development in Frome?
Whether you need planning permission depends on your house and its location 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
The work we manage on a small housing development:
- House construction to building regulations
- Handover packs for each home
- Design development and discharge of conditions
- Pre-construction cost plan
- External works and landscaping
- Groundworks, roads and drainage
How long does it take?
The build itself usually takes 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 Frome
The South West mixes stone and render cottages with post-war and newer estates, and local materials matter more here when matching an extension.
Our Frome coverage includes postcode districts BA11, and we also work in nearby places such as Trowbridge, Bath and Melksham.
How it works
- 01
Visit and measured survey
A free visit to understand the project, check access and take measurements.
- 02
Design and pricing
Design options, then a fixed quote based on the chosen drawings and specification.
- 03
Approvals in place
We handle planning, building control and neighbour notices before work starts.
- 04
Construction and completion
We build, put right any snags and hand over the building control certificate.
Questions about small housing developments in Frome
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.
How long does a small housing development take in Frome?
Typically 12 to 24 months depending on scheme size. Design and approvals beforehand usually take 6 to 12 months.
Do you work with landowners?
Yes. If you own land, with or without planning permission, we can discuss building on it with you.
How much does a small housing development cost in Frome?
In Frome, a small housing development typically costs £1,850–£2,750 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 £740,000–£1,100,000. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
Can you help with planning?
Yes. We coordinate the architect or designer and, where needed, a planning consultant.