How local authorities may be restricting access to self build registers - Grand Designs Magazine : Grand Designs Magazine How local authorities may be restricting access to self build registers - Grand Designs Magazine

How local authorities may be restricting access to self build registers

Could actions by your local authority be stopping you from accessing information about self build plots?

By Hugh Metcalf | 21 January 2020

According to the NaCSBA, a growing minority of local authorities are using ‘dirty tricks’ that are frustrating potential self-builders.

self build co housing at marmalade lane - granddesigns

Image: Marmalade Lane Cohousing, by TOWN, NaCSBA

New analysis of the Right to Build register from the NaCSBA has found that interest in self build projects is increasing, with 11,400 new people signing up between 2018-2019.

However, the body, which represents the interests of custom and self builders, has also found that a growing minority of local authorities are employing tactics to both limit new people signing up to the register and that act as a deterrent for existing people to remain on the registers.

For example, more and more local authorities are charging potential self-builders to join and remain on registers which, while allowed by law, is a major hurdle to signing up.

Councils have also been noted to count plots of land as suitable for self-build where they aren’t, nor marketed in such a way.

According to the NaCSBA, a growing minority of local authorities are using ‘dirty tricks’ that are frustrating potential self-builders.

self build co housing at marmalade lane - granddesigns

Image: Marmalade Lane Cohousing, by TOWN, NaCSBA

New analysis of the Right to Build register from the NaCSBA has found that interest in self build projects is increasing, with 11,400 new people signing up between 2018-2019.

However, the body, which represents the interests of custom and self builders, has also found that a growing minority of local authorities are employing tactics to both limit new people signing up to the register and that act as a deterrent for existing people to remain on the registers.

For example, more and more local authorities are charging potential self-builders to join and remain on registers which, while allowed by law, is a major hurdle to signing up.

Councils have also been noted to count plots of land as suitable for self-build where they aren’t, nor marketed in such a way.

Image: Marmalade Lane Cohousing, by TOWN, NaCSBA

Perhaps most worringly, the NaCSBA also believes that names have been removed from the register, possibly without consent and without those signed up being notified. While 55,000 people have signed up, the list currently sits at around 47,000 names, suggesting that 8,000 have been cleansed from the register.

So what to do if you’re worried about your place on a self-build register? If your local authority is restricting or charging for access to the register, you can send a letter to express your concern. The NaCSBA has a letter template you can use. If you haven’t received any information from your local authority since joining the register, consider emailing to find out why this may be – you may be able to email the address used to confirm your sign up to the register, or if not, your local planning department.

 

Are you signed up to a self build register? Let us know by tweeting us @granddesigns or post a comment on our Facebook page.

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