Object

Representation ID: 25167

Received: 23/03/2021

Respondent: Home Builders Federation

This policy looks for residential sites of over 100 dwellings to provide at least 5% of the dwelling plots for sale to self-builders. Many of our members will be able to assist the custom build sector either through the physical building of dwellings on behalf of the homeowner or through the provision of plots for sale to custom builders. The HBF are, therefore, not opposed to the idea of increasing the self-build and custom build sector for its potential contribution to the overall housing supply. However, most of the Council’s approach is restrictive rather than permissive by requiring the inclusion of such housing on developments of over 100 dwellings. This policy approach only changes the house building delivery mechanism from one form of house building company to another without any consequential additional contribution to boosting housing supply. Meaning that as currently proposed this policy will not assist in boosting the supply of housing and may even limit the deliverability of some sites and homes. The HBF would recommend appropriate evidence is collated to ensure that house building delivery from this source provides an additional contribution to boosting housing supply. This is likely to include engaging with landowners and working with custom build developers to maximise opportunities.

The HBF does not consider that the Council has appropriate evidence to support the requirement for 5% of the total plots on developments of over 100 dwellings to provide service plots for custom or self-build housing. PPG sets out how custom and self-build housing needs can be assessed. The SHMA (2019) highlights that 1,175 people were registered on the Council’s self-build register, it provides no analysis or evaluation of this figure, and does not provide any other evidence or information.