Self-build and custom build register
As the Local Planning Authority for the Broads Executive Area, we are required to keep a register of those people wishing to acquire land to build a home.
About self-build and custom build
The term 'self-build' is used when someone obtains a building plot and then builds their own home on it. Self-builders create their homes through a variety of methods. Most will need to commission an architect to design the house, some will then employ a builder to construct it, whereas others may choose to build all or part of the house themselves. The majority of self-builders manage the building site and deal directly with planners, tradespeople and materials suppliers. Self-build is an ideal way to create something tailored to your family's unique requirements.
Please note that the Authority has an exemption in place in relation to self-build – please see below.
Types of build
There are various types of custom build projects, including the following:
Individual custom build
An individual purchases a plot of land and builds a house to live in. They may do some or all of the build themselves, or employ an architect, a builder, and in some cases, a project manager to oversee the build.
Group custom build
A group of people come together to design and develop a custom build housing development which they then live in. They may build this themselves or with help from a developer to manage the project.
Developer-led custom build
A developer divides a larger site into individual plots and provides a design and build service to purchasers. This gives people a chance to tailor existing house designs to suit their own preference and needs.
The register
You can express your interest in self-build or custom build in the Broads Authority Executive Area by completing our Custom Build Register.
Exemption from the duty to permit
So far, there have been four base periods:
- Base period 1: April 2016 to 30 October 2016
- Base period 2: 31 October 2016 to 30 October 2017
- Base period 3: 31 October 2017 to 30 October 2018
- Base period 4: 31 October 2018 to 30 October 2019
- Base period 5: 31 October 2019 to 30 October 2020
- Base period 6: 31 October 2020 to 30 October 2021
The Government has agreed that the Broads Authority is exempt from the duty to permit enough serviced plots of land to meet the demand for self-build and custom housebuilding for base period 2, 3, 4 and 5. The reason for this is the demand for self-build and custom housebuilding is greater than 20% of the land identified by the Broads Authority as being available for future housing. We then re-run the calculation each year to see if the threshold is still exceeded and if so, the exemption remains.
The Authority is exempt from the Duty to permit for base periods 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6.
What this means is that the Authority is still required to maintain a register of interest in self/custom build and needs to have regard to the register when undertaking planning, housing, disposal of land and regeneration functions.
In base period one, there were 42 people on the register and the Authority will continue to try and meet that demand – the Authority is not exempt from base period 1.
Development boundaries
The purpose of a development boundary is to consolidate development around existing built-up communities where there is a clearly defined settlement where further development, if properly designed and constructed, would not be incongruous or intrusive because of the size of the settlement. Development boundaries have twin objectives of focusing the majority of development towards existing settlements whilst simultaneously protecting the surrounding countryside.
The Broads Authority has four areas with development boundaries. These are Horning, Wroxham and Hoveton, Oulton Broad and Thorpe St Andrew.
Development in these areas could be acceptable, notwithstanding other policies, constraints and other material considerations. It is important to note that just because an area has a development boundary, this does not mean that all proposals for development in the area are necessarily acceptable. A lot depends on the detail and location of the proposal. Some development proposals could be acceptable outside of Development Boundaries although this will depend on detail, constraints in the area and accordance with other adopted policies (such as DP21, 22, 23, 24 and 25 and the NPPF)
Please note that registration does not guarantee that a suitable plot will be identified, or become available.
Our districts
Whilst the Broads Authority will a register for interested parties in the Broads Executive Area, our district councils hold a register for the rest of their area. On occasion, the boundary between the Broads and district areas run through villages or towns. You may therefore wish to explore the opportunity of going on both our register as well as the relevant district, city or borough.
Use of information
The Broads Authority will use the information from the Custom and Self Build Register to gain a greater understanding of the demand for custom and self-build projects in the area. We will not pass identifiable information onto anyone outside the Authority without your written consent.
Some useful links
The Self Build Portal
This website is produced by the National Custom and Self Build Association (NaCSBA) and is endorsed by the Government.
Custom Build Serviced Plots Loan Fund: continuous market engagement
The fund is intended to help address the primary difficulty faced by many custom builders – securing a suitable plot for their project.
How to build your own home
A step-by-step guide covering everything required to build your own house, from finding the land, budgeting and financing correctly, what planning permission is required, to actually constructing the building itself.
The National Custom and Self Build Association (NaCSBA)
NaCSBA was set up by network of companies and individuals with the common aim of promoting self-build and custom build as a form of housing delivery that can make a significant contribution to home building in the UK.
Self-Build and Custom House Building Act 20015
An Act to place a duty on certain public authorities to keep a register of individuals and associations of individuals who wish to acquire serviced plots of land to bring forward self-build and custom housebuilding projects and to place a duty on certain public authorities to have regard to those registers in carrying out planning and other functions.
Build Store
Provides information on self-build, renovation and conversion products and services.
Self-Build Directory
This directory is a self-build and renovation resource centre providing advice, information and signposting to numerous sources of information, products and services.