Self-build or custom-build housing pro-forma guidance
Section A: Self-build or custom-build housing pro-forma
Download a copy of the Self-build or custom-build housing pro-forma document (PDF, 274 KB).
Purpose of Pro-Forma
This pro-forma is a requirement for any planning application for self-build or custom build housing.
The information provided will be used to confirm whether the proposed self-build or custom-build housing qualifies for exemption from the 10% Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) requirement under the Environment Act 2021.
The information provided will also be used by the City Council to monitor the delivery of self-build and custom build housing in Preston.
The information within the pro-forma should provide the necessary evidence, including project details and confirmation of its self-build or custom build status to support exemption during the planning process.
Please ensure that all sections are filled out accurately and in detail.
Guidance to support you - Defining your build
Self-build and custom-build housing refers to homes built by individuals or groups either directly or through commissioned contractors to meet specific personal requirements.
Below are further definitions of self/custom builds to help you understand how your scheme may meet these definitions.
Please make sure to refer to the original linked documents which provide further details on defining these builds.
The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)
(Page 75) - Self-build and custom-build housing
Housing built by an individual, a group of individuals, or persons working with or for them, to be occupied by that individual. Such housing can be either market or affordable housing.
A legal definition, for the purpose of applying the Self-build and Custom Housebuilding Act 2015 (as amended), is contained in section 1 (A1) and (A2) of that Act.
The Right to Build Task Force - (Pages 5-6)
- A self-build home is one built to the plans or specifications of the occupant on a single plot.
- A custom build home is built to the plans or specifications of the occupant on a multi-plot site which is actively managed by a third-party enabler.
20. This statutory definition can effectively be simplified to: A home built to the plans or specifications decided by the occupant.
When considering whether a home is a self-build or custom build home, relevant authorities must be satisfied that the initial owner of the home will have primary input into its final design and layout.
The Self-build and Custom Housebuilding Act 2015
(Section 1)
[ F1 - (A - In this Act "self-build and custom housebuilding" means the building or completion:
1) by -
(a) Individuals,
(b) Associations of individuals, or
(c) Persons working with or for individuals or associations of individuals, of houses to be occupied as homes by those individuals.
(A2) - But it does not include the building of a house on a plot acquired from a person who builds the house wholly or mainly to plans or specifications decided or offered by that person.]
Off-plan housing and homes purchased at the plan stage prior to construction and without input into the design and layout from the buyer will not meet the definition.
Further information on self-build and custom-building housing in Preston can be found on Self-build and custom house building register.
Application and Development Details
Please complete our online form to complete the pro-forma and ensure you provide the necessary evidence, including project details and confirmation of its self-build or custom build status to support exemption during the planning process.
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