Government to relax laws around self-build homes

Ministers have announced plans to make it easier for people to build their own homes.

Housing secretary Robert Jenrick has today (30 October) announced a review into the current regulations around self-build homes.

According to the government, the review will examine how effectively these arrangements support self-building, including whether they increase the amount of land available to support these homes.

Mr Jenrick has also announced that the data councils collect on self and custom build in their area will now be published annually.

Currently there are around 15,000 of these types of homes built every year – an increase of 50% in the last two years.

But the government argues there is still more to be done to support the self and custom build industry, last estimated be worth almost £4.5 billion to the UK economy.

‘We are backing people who want to design and build their own home and today I have launched a review to ensure councils provide enough land and take proper consideration for these homes when making planning decisions in their area,’ said the housing secretary.

The chief executive of the National Custom & Self Build Association (NaCSBA), Andrew Baddeley-Chappell added: ‘England has the lowest known rate of self-commissioned homes in the developed world. Our new homes market is crying out for the greener and higher quality build that goes hand-in-hand with more consumer choice. Housing diversification is key to the government’s housing strategy.

‘This excellent announcement today by the government should help many more people achieve the dream of living in better and more beautiful homes.’

Responding to the announcement by the Housing Secretary of a review to make it easier for people to build their own home, Cllr David Renard, Local Government Association housing spokesperson, said: “Councils are committed to building homes with the right infrastructure that local communities need and are supportive of custom and self-build housing as one way of achieving that.

“We are also pleased to be working with the Right to Build Task Force to support councils in bringing forward custom and self-build housing.

“What is key however, is that councils are able to work with their communities as part of a locally-led planning system to ensure that the housing needs of local areas are met in the most effective way, to deliver high-quality, affordable homes.”