Self-build and custom housing requirements
We are required to give suitable development permission to enough serviced plots to meet the demand for applicants on the self and custom build register. At the end of each base period (31 October), we have three years to grant planning permission to an equivalent number of plots to the number of entries on the register each year. It is important to note that registration does not guarantee that a suitable plot will be identified or become available.
In July 2021, we adopted the Central Bedfordshire Local Plan 2015-2035. Policy H6 Self Build and Custom Housing ensures that over the Local Plan period, serviced self and custom build dwelling plots are delivered through the planning system. Developments for sites of 10 or more dwellings (excluding schemes for 100% flats or conversions) will be required to deliver a minimum of 10% of the sites dwelling capacity as serviced plots for self-build and custom housing.
Our Housing Policy Technical Guidance Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) has been produced to provide further detailed guidance on the interpretation and implementation of housing polices.
If an application is granted planning permission for custom or self-build housing at Full or Reserved Matters stage, the details of the associated marketing strategy will be publicised to people on the custom and self-build register.
Applicants on the self and custom build register are encouraged to contact the developer of the site to discuss the availability of self and custom build plots.
Entry onto the register does not guarantee that a suitable plot will be identified or become available. Availability is dependent on permissions being granted delivering for self and custom build housing. With the Local Plan Policy requirement in place, it is expected the supply of self and custom build housing will increase.
The data collected on the register is reported into the Authority Monitoring Report and provides analysis of the Self-Build and Custom Build Register.