In this chapter

• Introduction to development management policy
• Housing
  • Policy H/AH: Affordable housing
  • Policy H/RS: Affordable housing regeneration schemes
  • Policy H/RES: Rural exception sites
  • Policy H/EC: Affordable housing requirements within older person and specialist housing (including Extra Care)
  • Policy H/SH: Specialist housing and homes for older people design
  • Policy H/AS: Accessible homes and residential space standards
  • Policy H/HM: Housing mix
  • Policy H/BtR: Build to rent developments
  • Policy H/CL: Co-living schemes
  • Policy H/PBSA: Purpose built student accommodation
  • Policy H/SBCHB: Self-build and custom housebuilding
  • Policy H/GT: Gypsies, travellers and travelling show people
  • Policy H/M: Moorings
• Climate change
• Nature and ecosystem services
• Green Belt
• Jobs and economy
• Healthy, vibrant and inclusive communities
• Heritage and design
• Sustainable transport
• Pollution, contamination and safety
• Minerals and waste
• Waste
• Infrastructure

Policy H/SBCHB: Self-build and custom housebuilding

About this page

How this part of the Local Plan Options Document works

These Development Management policy option pages contain the following sections:

Policy background

• Relevant national policy or regulations
• National or regional trends
• Local situation and needs/li>
• How we have dealt with this issue in the past
• The thinking behind the policy

Policy options for the new Local Plan

We may suggest a variety of approaches:

• Keeping existing policy as it is
• Making small changes
• Replacing the policy with something that is substantially different
• Identifying factors or events which may affect this policy in the future

Policy option analysis

• A list of the advantages and disadvantages that we have identified for each of the policy options we are presenting.

More on this topic

Read the Housing topic paper and Local Housing Need Assessment (LHNA) for in-depth focus about this topic, and the evidence which informs our policy. Visit our library of Local Plan Options supporting documents to learn more. 

Explore the policy

Select a section below to read more.

Policy background

9.111 The NPPF states that Councils should plan for a mix of housing including for people wishing to build their own homes. The Self-build and Custom Housebuilding Act 2015 introduced a duty on local authorities to keep a register of people who want to build their own homes and to grant permissions for enough serviced plots of land to meet the demand on the register. Self- build permissions are identified using claims for exemption from Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) payments (self-build dwellings are exempt from CIL).

9.112 Policy H4 in the Placemaking Plan encourages self-build, but it does not create a policy environment that directly facilitates the delivery of self and custom build housing. Therefore, in order to facilitate the approval of the number of plots required to meet demand, it is considered that further policy intervention is necessary, as sufficient plots are unlikely to come forward without it. Promotion of self-build is also in accordance with the Government’s stated ambition of diversifying the housing market (i.e. moving away from a market dominated by large-volume housebuilders).

9.113 The existing policy framework already allows for single plot self-build schemes to come forward within urban areas and villages (within Housing Development Boundaries), and small numbers are currently being delivered.

9.114 Other Councils have also introduced requirements for a minimum proportion of large sites to be self-build – for example, Teignbridge and South Gloucestershire have policies requiring a 10% self-build plots on sites over 20 and 100 respectively. Others have gone further still, for example, Cherwell District Council has purchased and allocated land for around 2,000 self-build dwellings and expects to make a financial return.

9.115 There are a number of different policy approaches that could be explored which might help boost the delivery of self-build plots in Bath and North East Somerset. The policy approaches are presented for purposes stimulating discussion to address facilitating the delivery of self-build plots.

Policy options and discussion question

Option A

Support/housing mix policy seeking to secure appropriate mix of homes on all sites, taking account of existing imbalances in housing stock, site characteristics, viability and market considerations and opportunity to facilitate Custom and Self Build schemes.

Advantages of Option A

• Diverse Housing Stock: Encouraging a mix of homes can lead to a more diverse housing stock, addressing the needs of different demographics and lifestyles within the community.
• Market Responsiveness: Considering market conditions and site characteristics ensures that the housing supply is more responsive to the actual demands of the local population, potentially improving overall market dynamics.

Disadvantages of Option A

• Viability Challenges: Balancing housing mix with site viability and market considerations can be challenging. There might be situations where the desired housing mix is not economically viable for developers or self- builders.
• Complex Implementation: Implementing and enforcing a nuanced policy that considers various factors may be difficult to administer effectively.

Option B

Percentage policy on large sites or strategic allocations – e.g. Mid Devon (Policy S3) – sites of 20 or more homes to provide at least 5% serviced plots for sale to self-builders

Advantages of Option B

• Encourages Diversity: This policy promotes diversity within large developments, ensuring that not all housing is homogenous and encouraging a mix of styles and designs.
• Local Economic Benefits: Self-build projects can contribute to the local economy by supporting local businesses and contractors, leading to increased economic activity.

Disadvantages of Option B

• Viability Challenges: Balancing housing mix with site viability and market considerations can be challenging. There might be situations where the desired housing mix is not economically viable for developers or self- builders.
• Choice: Self-builders may not wish to be part of a larger development site or want more choice regarding the type of development that could take place on a plot.

Option C

Allocation of suitable sites promoted for Self/Custom Build that are in line with the spatial strategy outlined above.

Advantages of Option C

• Strategic Spatial Planning: Allocating specific sites for self-build in line with spatial strategies ensures that self- build developments align with broader planning goals.
• Community Engagement: Identifying suitable sites through a strategic approach involves community input, fostering a sense of engagement and collaboration in the planning process.

Disadvantages of Option C

• Limited Flexibility: Strict allocation might limit flexibility in responding to changing market conditions or unforeseen developments.
• Land Availability Challenges: Identifying and securing suitable sites for self-build may be challenging, particularly in areas with limited available land.

Discussion questions

Question 1: Your preference

Which of the Options A to C do you prefer, if any? Please say why.

Question 2: Meeting our housing priorities

Which of the Options A to C do you think would best meet the Local Plan priority of providing homes that are affordable? Please say why.