Broadland & South Norfolk Custom and Self-Build Housing SPD

From our perspective, registration is ineffective in that it is insufficiently specific regarding location, house type, or timeframe. And thus, giving insufficient clarity to the house builder in preparing for and submitting an application.
It is not clear how effectively the register demonstrates demand for custom-build houses and thus enable developers to plan. Especially as there is no continuity between the register and application.
How easy will it be to effectively demonstrate no demand, and in a reasonable timeframe?

It should be noted that even the title of this heading mentions only self-build and not custom-build plots. And throughout this section there is reference to self-build rather than custom and self-build.
For larger scale developments, it is practically very difficult to identify specific plots at an early enough stage, as promoted by the SPD.
The process seems best able to facilitate smaller, windfall rural sites, or specific/identified sites, rather than larger allocations or windfall sites. But of course, the threshold is 40 dwellings (under Policy 5 of the GNLP).

A series of questions raised in relation to the approach:
• Where there are plots (of a potentially unknown size/design), not knowing what will be nearby/neighbouring will have an adverse effect on the demand for, and sales of, nearby houses.
• Additional planning costs will need to be passed onto a purchaser of a custom-build plot.
• Is it necessary for every full application to be a hybrid application, if the design of some (custom build) plots are to be ‘reserved’? What timescales for Reserved Matters submission/s are to be applied for a number/series of reserved custom build plots within such a scheme?
• The process (flexible yet imprecise) will inevitably constrain the ability for house buyers to borrow (mortgages), and exchange contracts.
• What are the implications for subsequent NMAs or S.73s, specific to individual custom build plots on a larger scheme?
• How does this dovetail with the Building Regulations process?
• Against whom would any enforcement/non-compliance with condition action be made (housebuilder or custom builder)?

A series of questions raised in relation to the approach:
• Where there are plots (of a potentially unknown size/design), not knowing what will be nearby/neighbouring will have an adverse effect on the demand for, and sales of, nearby houses.
• Additional planning costs will need to be passed onto a purchaser of a custom-build plot.
• Is it necessary for every full application to be a hybrid application, if the design of some (custom build) plots are to be ‘reserved’? What timescales for Reserved Matters submission/s are to be applied for a number/series of reserved custom build plots within such a scheme?
• The process (flexible yet imprecise) will inevitably constrain the ability for house buyers to borrow (mortgages), and exchange contracts.
• What are the implications for subsequent NMAs or S.73s, specific to individual custom build plots on a larger scheme?
• How does this dovetail with the Building Regulations process?
• Against whom would any enforcement/non-compliance with condition action be made (housebuilder or custom builder)?

There are other policy implications that rely on the approval of a specific floor area of a dwelling or dwellings: what will happen in relation to policies for public open space provision, for example?

In general, the concept of plot passports is an extra burden that constrains/slows the delivery of housing. Unless they can indicate standard house types with inherent flexibility (for the purposes of an application/permission).

Whilst on the face of it, CIL exemption for self-build and custom-build and custom-build homes is beneficial, the process of pre-planning and applying for a phased development – premised thereon – is over-complicated. It is extremely difficult to work that into a development/build programme and phasing plan for a larger scheme.
It should also be noted that throughout this section there is reference to self-build rather than custom and self-build.

Whilst on the face of it, CIL exemption for self-build and custom-build and custom-build homes is beneficial, the process of pre-planning and applying for a phased development – premised thereon – is over-complicated. It is extremely difficult to work that into a development/build programme and phasing plan. For a larger scheme
It should also be noted that throughout this section there is reference to self-build rather than custom and self-build.