Self-build and custom house building register

The Self-build and Custom House building Act 2015 and the Self-build and Custom House building (Register) Regulation 2016 places a duty on local authorities to keep a register of individuals and associations of individuals who express an interest in acquiring a serviced plot of land in the authority's area.

The Government wants to help more people to build or commission their own homes and requires Preston City Council (PCC) to maintain and publish a register of people / groups of people (association's), who wish to buy serviced plots of land in Preston.

Changes and charges to the self build register

Recently Cabinet approved some changes and charges to the self build register, which will apply to all applications received after 28 September 2020, which include:

(a) approve a £75 application fee for entry on to the Council's Self Build and Custom Build Register for a base period or part of a base period, to take immediate effect for new applications

(b) approve a £25 annual fee to remain on Part 1 of the Register, to take effect for the next base period, October 2020 onwards

The fee has been introduced in line with National Planning Practice Guidance (PPG) which advises that local authorities can charge fees to those who apply to join or remain on the Register.

The fees must be proportionate, reflect genuine costs incurred, and should not act as a deterrent for people to be entered on or remain on the Register (PPG Paragraph 57-034-20170728).

In setting the fee level, there is a need to strike an appropriate balance between ensuring that only people who are genuinely interested in joining the register and able to undertake a Self-Build or Custom-Build housing project apply.

What is self-build and custom house building?

Self-build usually means that you are directly involved in organising the design and construction of your new home.

Custom build usually means working with a specialist developer to help you deliver your home.

There may be some overlap between the two, for example some custom build developers offer the option of a serviced plot where you can design and build your own home as part of a larger scheme.

What is a serviced plot of land?

Defined in the regulation's as being one that has access to a public highway and connections for electricity, water and waste water.

Who is eligible for entry on the register?

An individual is eligible for entry in the register if that individual is:

• aged 18 or over
• a British citizen, a national of an EEA State other than the United Kingdom, or a national of Switzerland; and
• seeking (either alone or with others) to acquire a serviced plot of land in the relevant authority's area to build a house to occupy as that individual's sole or main residence.
• resident within Preston or any other strong association with it. For example if you have previously lived in Preston / been employed in Preston / have relatives in Preston or are retiring to Preston

An association is eligible for entry in the register if each member of the association meets all of the eligibility requirements for an individual.

(a)     in the case of an individual, the name and address of the individual;

(b)     in the case of an association 

(c) in all cases, the date on which the entry in the register was made.

• the name and address of the association;
• the name and address (if different from that of the association) of the lead contact;
• the number of serviced plots of land in the relevant authority's area the members of the association are seeking to acquire; and

How do I apply?

You can apply for entry on the register by completing the online form for either: individuals and/or associations.

Apply for the self-build and custom house building register

Completed forms will have to be accompanied by copies of the evidence documents specified on the form.

What happens next?

We will determine your application for entry onto the register within 28 days of receipt and will advise you of one of two outcomes:   

• If you meet all the required criteria, you will be placed on Part 1 of the Register.
• If you meet all except the local connections test criteria you will be placed on Part 2 of the Register.

Self-build and custom build housing register

The Self-build and custom House-building Act 2015 places a duty on local councils in England to keep a register of people who are interested in self-build or custom-build projects in the area.

The information contained within this register will enable the Council to gather evidence to see if there is a demand for this type of development within the area. 

List of approved planning permissions which meet the criteria for self-build or custom housebuilding plots

We have a list of approved planning permissions which meet the criteria for self-build or custom housebuilding plots.

View the list of available development sites for self-build or custom housebuilding

Preston's Self-build and custom build Housing Register - Part 1

Register number - SB001

Individual or Group - Individual

Area(s) of search - Preston urban area, Cottam Hall, North West Preston (West of the A6), South Ribble, Preston South and surrounding area.

Date of entry - 30/10/2020

local connection test - Live in Preston now and have relatives in Preston

Register number - SB002

Individual or Group - Individual

Area(s) of search - Broughton, Barton, Eastway, D'Urton Lane

Date of entry - 16/11/2020

local connection test - Previously lived in Preston, have relatives in Preston and retiring to Preston.

Register number - SB005

Individual or Group - Individual

Area(s) of search - Broughton,Woodplumpton, Catforth, Barton, North West Preston (West of the A6), Grimsargh, Eastway, D'Urton Lane, Goosnargh and Whittingham.

Date of entry - 30/01/2022

Local connection test - Currently lives in Preston

Register number - SB006

Individual or Group - Individual

Area(s) of search - Woodplumpton/Catforth

Date of entry - 15/08/2022

Local connection test - Currently lives in Preston