NSBRC - Free Online Planning Surgery
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.

Please click here to book your free virtual tickets.

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

Annual Sustainability Report 2026

We are proud to share our second Annual Sustainability Report, as part of our ongoing commitment to environmental responsibility and ethical business practice - or as we like to call it: Better Sustainable Business.

Notably, this report marks a key milestone of a 25% reduction in emissions over the past four years, saving 141 tonnes of CO₂ to date.

Find out more
A Photo of The Unico System stand at the NSBRC

Feeling the Heat? Discover How Better Ventilation Can Keep Your Home Comfortable

With temperatures rising across the UK, many homeowners are experiencing overheating rooms, poor indoor air quality and sleepless nights. Join the National Self Build & Renovation Centre's FREE Ventilation Drop-In Clinic on Saturday 4th July to discover how modern ventilation systems, including Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR), can help create a cooler, healthier and more energy-efficient home. Attend expert presentations, see a live MVHR demonstration and book a free one-to-one consultation with industry specialists.

Find out more

Meet our Employee Owner of the Year - Neil

We are delighted to announce that Neil Davey has been named our Employee Owner of the Year 2026!

The award was presented in front of the team during our recent Employee Ownership (EO) Day celebrations. The day featured an exhilarating e-karting Grand Prix in Reading, with plenty of laughs, and the opportunity to spend quality time together away from our usual day-to-day roles.

Find out more

The National Self Build & Renovation Show: Friday 9th & Saturday 10th October

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