Broadland & South Norfolk Custom and Self-Build Housing SPD
7. Submitting a planning application for custom or self-build Comment
7.1 Planning applications for custom and self-build can be submitted as outline, full, hybrid or permission in principle applications depending on the exact nature of the scheme proposed. It is important to consider the most appropriate way to submit your application and potential applicants are advised to seek pre application advice before formally submitting their plans. Each route to planning permission can impact the commencement of the development and subsequent Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) exemption (see section 10) and also the ability for the initial occupant to have a primary input into the design and layout of their home so it is important to get advice from the relevant authority. Further advice on submitting a planning application and the pre application advice service can be found online at Planning application advice – Broadland and South Norfolk (southnorfolkandbroadland.gov.uk)
7.2 When submitting a planning application, it is of great importance that clarity is provided as to whether a development proposal includes custom or self-build. Planning applications must state clearly that a proposal is for custom or self-build housing, including reference to custom and self-build housing in the description of development. The Councils will attach conditions and/or Section 106 obligations to any grant of planning permission to ensure that the proposal is delivered as proposed and in accordance with policy. For applications under GNLP Policy 7.5 the applicant will also have to demonstrate that they meet the eligibility criteria for Part 1 of the relevant Council's self-build register. Examples of standard conditions and legal agreements are available from each council on request.
Impact of nutrient neutrality Comment
7.3 Alongside other local planning authorities in Norfolk, Broadland and South Norfolk Councils received a letter in March 2022 from Natural England concerning nutrient pollution in the protected habitats of the River Wensum Special Area of Conservation and the Broads Special Area of Conservation and Ramsar site. The letter advised that all new development within the catchment of these habitats comprising overnight accommodation has the potential to cause adverse impacts with regard to nutrient pollution which would need to be mitigated. This would include any developments for custom and self-build housing. More information regarding nutrient neutrality and its impact on planning applications is available online at How to apply for planning permission – Broadland and South Norfolk (southnorfolkandbroadland.gov.uk)
Other Guidance Comment
7.4 Other considerations when submitting a planning application for custom or self-build housing include biodiversity net gain (BNG) and the Green Infrastructure Recreational Avoidance Mitigation Strategy (GIRAMS). Details of both can be found online at How to apply for planning permission – Broadland and South Norfolk (southnorfolkandbroadland.gov.uk)
7.5 As specified in the Government's guidance for biodiversity net gain: exempt developments applications for custom and self-build developments are exempt from BNG rules where they meet all the following conditions:
- Consists of no more than 9 dwellings
- On a site that has an area no larger than 0.5 hectares
- Consists exclusively of dwellings that are self-build or custom housebuilding as defined in section 1(A1) of the Self-build and Custom Housebuilding Act 2015.
7.6 For custom and self-build applications claiming exemption from BNG legislation conditions or S106 agreements will be needed to ensure that the properties are constructed and occupied as self-build/custom build dwellings.
7.7 The ecological mitigation hierarchy is still pertinent to custom or self-build applications and general biodiversity enhancements (such as integrated bird and bat boxes and hedgehog gaps) should be included within the design of any scheme in line with existing planning policy.
