Broadland & South Norfolk Custom and Self-Build Housing SPD

4. What is Self and Custom Build? Comment

4.1 The Government's Self build and Custom Housebuilding Planning Practise Guidance (PPG) defines self-build and custom build housebuilding as covering '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'.

4.2 Self-build does not necessarily mean a large budget 'Grand Designs' type property, custom and self-build housing can cover a wide range of developments including:

• Individuals or associations of individuals applying for their own self build plot/s.
• Landowners/developers providing plots for sale either as standalone self-build development or as part of a larger development.
• Affordable self-build units on 'exceptions' sites.

4.3 A legal definition of custom and self-build housing is provided in the Self-build and Custom Housebuilding Act 2015 (as amended by the Housing and Planning Act 2016). The Act does not distinguish between self-build and custom housebuilding and sets out 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.

4.4 Custom and self-build are defined in the glossary of the adopted GNLP as:
Custom build – A form of self-build homes that is, in some form, supported by a developer through a more hands-off approach than traditional self-build would entail.

Self-build – Housing built by an individual, a group of individuals, or persons working with them or for them, to be occupied by that individual. Such housing can be either market or affordable housing.

4.5 In considering whether a dwelling is a custom or self-build home Broadland and South Norfolk Councils will need to be satisfied that the initial owner of the house will have a primary input into its final design and layout. Off-plan housing, homes purchased at the plan stage prior to construction and without input into the design and final layout from the buyer do not meet the definition of custom and self-build housing and will not be deemed acceptable.