7.13

Support

Representation ID: 3561

Received: 11/08/2021

Respondent: Brown & Co Barfords

Self-build and custom housebuilding:
The sites put forward also provide the opportunity for self-build and custom build homes. Paragraph 7.11
on page 42 rightly sets out in determining planning applications will take into account demand shown by
both parts of the register.

Policy SB1 – Self-build and custom housebuilding on page 43 and 44 sets out a strategy to incorporate
self-build homes within sites dependent on the number of homes created. Clients who wish to undertake
self-build and custom housebuilding seek larger plots of land which are not significantly constrained by
neighbouring dwellings. Therefore, allocating these types of houses within developments means large land
values are required for the plots which will result in the marketing of the plots and ultimately market
dwellings, therefore leaving a shortfall in self-build plots. It is considered a better solution to secure these
types of dwellings would be to allocate self-build sites on the edge of villages such as the sites put forward
on the land at Pertenhall where a Design Code can set out parameters to achieve well-designed homes
and secure successful self-build and custom housebuilding.

Support

Representation ID: 3572

Received: 11/08/2021

Respondent: Accessibility Bedford

Accessibility Bedford urges the Council to retain Policy 59S (Housing Mix) from the Local Plan 2030 because it provides a choice of housing for elderly and disabled people.

Support

Representation ID: 4073

Received: 30/08/2021

Respondent: Ann Mills

Custom and self-build opportunities should be encouraged and supported in the plan.

Support

Representation ID: 5458

Received: 03/09/2021

Respondent: Mr Daniel Kownacki

Opportunities for self build and custom welcomed.

Support

Representation ID: 6295

Received: 10/09/2021

Respondent: Messrs A Porter, H Fowler, W Salsbury Ltd

Agent: DLP Planning Limited

Our client makes the following comments in respect of paragraph 7.13.
Chapter 7 looks at new or replacement development management policies with policy SB1 focussing on self-build and custom housing. Paragraph 7.13 recognises that whilst the nature of some proposals, for example, high density sites of predominantly apartments or conversions of existing buildings, might mean individual self-build plots may not be available or practical, such dwellings do provide opportunities for custom build. Our client welcomes the approach that the Council recognise it may not be practical for such type of schemes to be unable to deliver self-build opportunities.
Please refer to our supporting representations for further information.

Object

Representation ID: 7900

Received: 24/09/2021

Respondent: Home Builders Federation

16. Firstly, the Council state in paragraph 7.13 that whilst high density flatted development may not mean individual plots can be made available for self-build that such dwellings provide opportunities for custom build. We would disagree and consider that flatted development does not fall under the definition of a self and custom build dwelling as defined by the Self-Build and Custom Housebuilding Act 2015. Section 1(A2) of this act specifically excludes the building of a house on a plot acquired from a person who builds the house wholly or mainly to the plans or specifications decided or offered by that person. This was considered by the inspector at the examination of the Windsor and Maidenhead Borough Local Plan which similarly looked to apply self-build requirements to flatted development. In her post hearing advice1 she concluded at paragraph 12 that such an approach was not justified on the basis that it was inconsistent with the relevant legislation. As such it is equally unjustified for this policy to be applied to all qualifying schemes and specific exclusion from this policy for flatted development should be specified.
Secondly, The Council do not set out in this consultation document how many self-build plots it would expect to deliver through this policy and whether it is necessary to meet the estimated need for such plots over the plan period. The evidence published by the Council with regard the need for self-build homes indicates that at present the Council is meeting its requirements without a designated policy and on this basis, there does not seem to be sufficient justification for this policy. However, PPG does set out that other evidence as to self-build demand should be considered. The council’s assessment of self-build demand indicates that this could be in the region of 97 dwellings per annum if national perceptions as to demand for self-build of 10% of total stock are applied. However, these are national perceptions as to self-build and custom housebuilding and as is noted in the Council’s evidence paper would represent a significant step up compared to the self-build register. As such if the Council is to justify such an onerous policy, in particular on smaller plots which could see 20% of plots given over to self-build the Council will need to provide compelling justification.
Finally, the Council must recognise that the provision of serviced plots on housing developments adds to the complexity and logistics of developing such sites and therefore potentially slower delivery. It is unlikely that the provision of self-build plots on new housing developments can be co-ordinated with the development of the wider site. At any one time, there are often multiple contractors and large machinery operating on-site from both a practical and health & safety perspective, it is difficult to envisage the development of single plots by individuals operating alongside this construction activity. Any differential between the lead-in times /build out rates of self-build plots and the development of the wider site means unfinished plots next to completed and occupied dwellings resulting in consumer dissatisfaction, construction work outside of specified working hours, building materials stored outside of designated compound areas, etc. As such the most appropriate approach, and one that is consistent with PPG, to delivering self-build plots is through the Council either using its own land or working with local land owners to identify appropriate sites where self-build homes can be delivered.