Splitting the Self-build & Custom Housebuilding Register
The Council is inviting views on its proposals to split the Register into Parts 1 and 2 and the nature of the local eligibility criteria to join Part 1. All comments received will be considered by the Council before a decision is made.
This consultation commences on 7 August 2020. All comments should be received by 17:00 on 20 September 2020.
Summarised information from the responses received may be published, but no personal details will be disclosed.
The Borough Council is considering, under the provision of the Self-build and Custom Housebuilding (register) Regulations 2016, to divide its Self-Build and Custom Housebuilding Register into 2 parts, referred to as "Part 1" and "Part 2", for both individuals and associations. If implemented, the Council would have a duty to meet the demand for plots suitable for self-build as evidenced by Part 1 of the Register only. Applicants to join Part 1 would need to demonstrate a local connection to Bedford Borough, so by splitting the register the Council could give priority to local people.
Question 1: To what extent do you agree or disagree with the Council's proposal to split its Self-Build & Custom Housebuilding Register into Parts 1 and 2 in order to give priority to those with a local connection?
To qualify for entry on to Part 1, applicants would need to satisfy one of the following three eligibility criteria
- Have lived in Bedford Borough for at least three of the last five years;
- Have close relatives (mother, father, sister, brother, adult children and corresponding step relations) who have lived in Bedford Borough for the last 5 years;
- Personally or have a member of the household in permanent employment of at least 16 hours per week in Bedford Borough
Question 2: To what extent do you agree or disagree with the Council's proposed Local Eligibility Criteria "Applicants should have lived in the Borough for at least three of the last five years" for those wishing to join Part 1 of the Self-Build & Custom Housebuilding Register?
Question 3: To what extent do you agree or disagree with the Council's proposed Local Eligibility Criteria "Applicants should have close relatives (mother, father, sister, brother, adult children and corresponding step relations) who have lived in Bedford Borough for the last 5 years" for those wishing to join Part 1 of the Self-Build & Custom Housebuilding Register?
Question 4: To what extent do you agree or disagree with the Council's proposed Local Eligibility Criteria "Applicants should personally or have a member of the household in permanent employment of at least 16 hours per week in Bedford Borough" for those wishing to join Part 1 of the Self-Build & Custom Housebuilding Register?
Question 5: As a public body we have a duty to ensure that what we do does not discriminate against people with protected characteristics.
These are: gender; age; ethnicity; disability; faith / religion; sexual preference; gender reassignment; and pregnancy. Please tell us if you believe that any of these proposed actions would have an adverse impact on any of these groups, or if you feel we could do anything more to ensure discrimination does not take place.