Urban City Life

Designing Your Urban Property

If you are fortunate enough to own a plot of land within an urban area in the UK or are planning to purchase a building with the intent to demolish and build anew, there are a number of design features (both aesthetic and structural) which will need to be considered prior to beginning the build. Most inner city areas within the UK have their own unique character which is developed by the buildings and architectural features which make up the city itself. As such it is expected that new builds will conform to the overall feel of the city so that this character is maintained. This may be as simple as building within a particular style – such as Georgian, Edwardian, Victorian, or even Tudor – or perhaps using a certain type of building material on the façade (building front).

If you are hoping to build an ultra modern design there are designated areas within most of the major UK cities where this is acceptable, just as there are areas where this would not be approved of by the town planners. It pays to investigate the areas that are friendly to modern designs prior to purchasing any property, else you may have to give up your dream for a high-tech steel and glass building. Generally, the closer you are to the business district of the city centre – that is, the area with the modern high-rises and stylish modern designs – the better your chances at being able to build your own property in a similar style.