Small-Scale, Big Impact: The Opportunity in Windfall Development

Windfall Site

Not every site has to be part of a large, allocated housing scheme to have potential. Across Somerset and the wider West of England, many of the most successful and deliverable projects are coming forward on smaller, unallocated plots — what planning policy refers to as windfall development.

At CSH Architectural Services, we’ve seen first-hand how these types of sites can offer a reliable, efficient route to building quality homes — often in places where they’re most needed and most likely to gain support.

What Counts as a Windfall Site?

Put simply, a windfall site is one that hasn’t been allocated for housing in the Local Plan but still comes forward for development. In the West of England, this usually means sites that deliver between 2 and 9 new homes.

They’re often:

• Infill plots between existing houses,

• Garden or side land,

• Redundant agricultural or light industrial buildings,

• Brownfield land in towns or villages.

While unallocated, these sites are very much part of the housing strategy — most local authorities include a windfall allowance in their five-year land supply. That means councils expect and support this kind of development, provided it’s in the right location and well-designed.

Why Windfall Makes Sense

For landowners, small developers, and those with family land or property, windfall development offers a practical way to deliver homes without the scale or risk of a larger scheme. It often means:

• Lower upfront costs,

• A faster planning process,

• Less local resistance,

• And better integration into existing communities.

The key is in how the scheme is presented — strong design, local understanding, and clear policy alignment go a long way.

A Process You Can Rely On

At CSH Architectural Services, we’ve helped clients unlock value from all kinds of small sites — from garden plots to barn conversions. Our approach is straightforward and transparent. We’ll give you honest advice on what’s achievable, prepare a design that works for both you and the planners, and handle the process from concept to submission.

We work closely with planning consultants and local authorities, so our clients get more than just a set of drawings — they get a strategy that moves things forward.

Thinking of Developing? Let’s Talk

If you have land or property you think could have potential — even if it hasn’t been allocated — windfall development could be a realistic option. Whether it’s two homes or nine, we can help you make the most of it.