Self-build and Custom Housebuilding Register

What is Self-build and Custom Housebuilding?

Self-build and Custom build housing is where individuals or groups of individuals are involved in the design and/or build of their home (which is then occupied by those individuals). This may be through an appointed specialist developer or they may be directly involved in the build themselves.

What is the purpose of the Register?

Under the Self-Build and Custom Housebuilding Act 2015, local authorities are required to keep a register of people and groups of people who are seeking to purchase serviced plots of land to build their own home in the local authority area.

The register helps the Council understand the demand for serviced plots of land within the borough and going forward, to contact interested parties on the register if suitable land becomes available.

What to expect from joining the Self-build and Custom Housebuilding Register

The register does not operate as a waiting list and registration does not guarantee that a suitable plot will be identified or become available. Whilst the Council has a duty to grant sufficient permissions for self-build and custom housebuilding plots, there is no requirement for a permission to specifically relate to the preferences expressed by those on the Register.

When self-build opportunities in Welwyn Hatfield are made known to the Council, we will contact applicants directly (where they have indicated that they wish to be kept informed).

What is the Council doing to deliver plots?

The Council does not have land within its ownership readily available for self-build and it is therefore seeking, through the Local Plan, to adopt a policy which will ensure that future developments over a certain size make provision for self-build plots.