Review considers Right to Build regulations in England

A SYSTEM that enables households in England to register that they are interested in developing a self-build housing plot has undergone a review by the UK Government’s Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government.

Begins a ministry announcement (here): “Self-build and custom housebuilding covers a wide spectrum, from projects where individuals are involved in building or managing the construction of their home from beginning to end, to projects where individuals commission their home, making key design and layout decisions, but the home is built ready for occupation (‘turnkey’).

“The Self-build and Custom Housebuilding Act 2015 (as amended by the Housing and Planning Act 2016) provides a legal definition of self-build and custom housebuilding.

“The Act does not distinguish between self-build and custom housebuilding and provides that both are where an individual, an association of individuals, or persons working with or for individuals or associations of individuals, build or complete houses to be occupied as homes by those individuals.”

Registers are held by local authorities and provide a guide to the extent of demand for custom and self-build.

It is not explained exactly how the registers system has been changed, but the review has been National Custom & Self Build Association which reports (here): “The updates strengthen the guidance as a tool for supporting the delivery of custom and self-build in the context of the Right to Build. 

“While not an official term, the duties set out by the Self-build and Custom Housebuilding Act 2015, as amended by the Housing and Planning Act 2016, are referred to as the Right to Build.

“The updated Planning Practice Guidance brings a number of advantages, particularly in its acknowledgement that self and custom housebuilding embraces a spectrum of projects.”

Picture credit: PlaceDesignScotland