brentwood.gov.uk

As referenced by Brandon Lewis MP in communication to Rt Hon Sir Eric Pickles MP (ref. 1834883), The "Self-Build and Custom Housebuilding Act 2015" comes into force in April 2016. I would like this to be referenced in the LDP self-build policy 7.2 as appropriate.

Given the expected demand for self-build (as referenced in point #67 of the 2011 Housing Strategy for England), I would propose that the minimum 5% self-build should also apply to developments of 20 or more dwellings to ensure that the 5% target is met overall. As referenced by Brandon Lewis MP in communication to Rt Hon Sir Eric Pickles MP (ref. 1834883), The Housing and Planning Bill which is currently going through Parliament will require local authorities to ensure there are sufficient plots with planning permission to meet the local demand shown on the local self-build register. Therefore, the number of self-build plots allocated per site should be proportional to the local demand for self-build within Brentwood, with 5% considered as a minimum. This percentage should be evaluated at the time of any planning application versus the demand noted on the local self-build register once this is in place.

* For smaller dwellings (under 20) on brownfield land owned by the taxpayer, I propose that local Brentwood residents (represented as individuals or local community groups; eg Community Interest Companies) who have shown an interest in self-build by signing up to a self-build register should be given first priority for such brownfield sites with at least 10% of sites (IE, not dwellings within sites) being prioritised for self-build and custom housebuilding.

* For smaller dwellings (under 20) on brownfield land not owned by the taxpayer, I propose that the decision for the proportion of plots to be allocated as self-build would be a decision solely for the landowner, with the local council merely encouraging the landowners to consider "direct-to-consumer self or custom-build" as an attractive option.

A strong focus and lead on self-build within Brentwood will bring communities together, will get more dwellings built and more bricklayers trained in this borough.

With regards to developing self-build and custom-build guidance, a useful site locally can be found on the neighbouring council website - this includes access to a custom build homes fund and a self-build register.
http://www.chelmsford.gov.uk/selfbuild