Interested in Self-Build??
Posted on 21st August 2024 at 16:49
Landscope has recently been working with landowners and developers on a number of self-build housing schemes in Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire. We are seeing a surge in enquiries for self-build schemes and, as a result, have prepared this blog which outlines the background and opportunities related to Self-Build and Custom Housebuilding locally.
Self-build housing has become an important part of the planning system. The principle of building your own dwelling to live in as a primary residence was established with the Self Build and Custom Housebuilding Act in 2015. For the first time Local Authorities were required to keep a register of people and groups of people interested in self or custom-build plots in their area. The intention was that this would help Local Authorities ascertain the level of interest in their area. However, the suspicion is that they have simply viewed maintaining a Register as a ‘box ticking’ exercise; it is not clear how each one has used their Register to help support the delivery of self-build units in their areas.
However, a recent planning appeal decision in Bedford Borough points to how the self-build policy regime is not currently being used as well as it could be by Local Authorities. In this case the Council did not determine a planning application for the erection of 9 self-build plot dwellings within its statutory target of eight weeks. As a result, the applicant lodged an appeal against the Council for non-determination of the application. Whilst the appellant and Local Planning Authority agreed that there was a shortfall in the delivery of self-build plots in the area, they disputed the exact size of the shortfall.
During the appeal, the Planning Inspector found that the Borough Council has a shortfall of completed self-build dwellings in the borough. which resulted in the Inspector allowing the appeal, and planning permission being granted for the scheme.
If you have suitable land within or adjoining towns or villages within your borough which you would like to explore for future self-build development, then please do get in touch with Landscope. Weare also aware of shortfalls in the delivery of self-build plots in other local authorities across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire and Northamptonshire.
At Landscope, we have the expertise and experience to help gain planning permission for development schemes from smaller projects such as self-build plots through to large-scale strategic housing schemes. We can also help landowners and developers throughout the process from identifying sites for development, to delivering planning permission to ensure you can build the house of your dreams or realise maximum value for your land.
Please contact Sam Franklin, Director, or Ian Taylor, Associate Planning Consultant on 01767 686 872 to discuss your aspirations.
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