Earlier this week Brandon Lewis announced the launch of new registers which aim to help self-builders locate plots for development.
The self-build register:
From 1st April 2016, most Local Planning Authorities will be required to keep a register of individuals, and associations of individuals, who are seeking to acquire serviced plots of land in their area in order to build their own homes.
The registers are in addition to measures within the Housing and Planning Bill, which is being debated in the House of Lords at present, which will require local authorities to make sure that they have enough ‘shovel ready’ plots to meet local demand.
Brandon Lewis stated that the registers are an example of the current Government’s commitment to “double the number of custom and self-build homes by 2020.”
If you are a self-builder:
If you are looking to build a home then it would be wise to submit your details to your Council to flag your interest in getting involved in this type of development.
Local Planning Authorities cannot currently set eligibility criteria, nor is there any apparent limit on how many Councils you can apply to. It could therefore make sense to cast your net wide and register interest in several local authority areas.
Moving forward, Council’s will be required to publish an Authority Monitoring Report which will include headline data on the demand for self-build and custom housebuilding. Government guidance notes that “this can support development opportunities for self-build and custom housebuilding by increasing awareness among landowners, builders and developers of the level and nature of demand for self-build and custom housebuilding in the local area”.
If you are a landowner:
It’s important to note that the self-build register will be a material consideration in decision-taking. Therefore, if there is a demonstrated high demand from self-builders in your area, but no available plots, this could potentially help a planning application on your land for the provision of serviced plots.
About us:
Plainview Planning is an independent Town and Country Planning Consultancy. If you need assistance in finding land or securing permission for your self-build or custom-build plot, then please contact our team via enquiries@plainview.co.uk.