Issue - meetings

Report of the Strategic Director of Place

The Planning Policy Team Manager presented the report to members, explaining the government’s approach to self-build and custom housebuilding and how this might be dealt with through the review of the Local Plan.

In response to comments and questions from members, the Planning Policy Team Manager clarified that large developers could sell plots on to a self-builder, provided that the design of the dwelling was specific.  He explained that there was nothing in national planning policy or legislation that suggested that a self-build or custom build application should be treated any differently to any other planning application.  He added that arguably most of the one or two dwelling developments permitted could now fit the definition of custom build.  He advised members that there was no statutory requirement to have a policy on self-build and custom housebuilding, however there were other requirements which the council as a planning authority was required to fulfil.  Therefore, the Committee were asked to instruct officers to develop a policy as part of the Local Plan review.

Councillor R Ashman thanked the officers for the detailed report.

It was moved by Councillor R Adams, seconded by Councillor J Legrys and

RESOLVED THAT:

a) The obligations placed on the council in respect of self and custom build be noted;

b) The various options outlined in the report be noted; and

c) The proposal that consideration be given to including a policy in respect of self-build and custom housebuilding as part of the Local Plan review be supported.