Oh - have worked on a beach front property with similar restrictions ! Best advice I can offer is to work with a local architect who can guide you on what's the best way to approach this project - to get the best from your plot - to suit the way you'd like to live ! You might be able to use the under build area as carparking ? Boat store? Or potting shed even ?! Try to think of it as saving you from being flooded - rather than an inconvenience ! I know it's difficult - but it's surmountable !! Keep smiling !!!

Thank you. We were planning on having a separate garage/workshop and could easily put that underneath, Its just that everything I have looked up that incorporates this seems to huge and out of keeping with the area! I wondered if anyone has come across an elegant solution? The new rules mean that even though where we are building in a village that has never flooded (as far back as records go back, over 400 years) we now have to build as if there were a 50m breach in the flood defences (well maintainted 30') down to ground level - at the point most likely to likely to flood our property (not the weakest!) - what our flood risk expert deems as a "war case scenario"! I am sure there will be countless prospective house builders in the same position as these rulings begin to be applied. Beautiful, raised living area houses will be at a premium, if someone could come up with one that is affordable, spacious yet blends in with the surroudings (there are several around but all very modern, housing estatish and would not please the conservation officers) - they could corner the market! A challenge for all UK architects!

We like a challenge! We're based in Cornwall, but have recently completed projects in London and Berkshire, so very happy to have a chat with you about your project if you would like.

We've recently completed some barn conversions, including this one, which is a Grade II* listed medieval barn. We'd also very much agree with One Plan about the potential uses for the space. It could easily be parking/garage or utility rooms, or a boat store!

We provide free initial advice/meeting (if Devon or Cornwall), and you can reach us on: 01288 355557 or by email: architectsbude@bazeley-architects.co.uk We'd love to hear from you.

All the best,

The Bazeley Partnership