Right to Build Vanguards – Government Seeks Pioneer Councils

The government is inviting councils to become part of a vanguard of local authorities offering plots for tailor-made homes via its Right to Build initiative.

The lessons learned in these areas will form a crucial part of the government’s consultation, planned for later this year, as it looks to extend Right to Build across the country.

Becoming a Right to Build vanguard

“I believe that government should help anyone who wants to build their own home to find a plot of land. That’s why we want to give people a Right to Build – so anyone looking for a shovel-ready plot can turn to their local council and expect them to suggest some suitable sites,” said planning minister, Nick Boles.

“Building your own home (with our without the help of a local architect and builder) can be much cheaper than buying a new house; and offers people the chance to design a place that works for them and their family. Becoming a Right to Build vanguard offers councils a way to help local people get a place to live that’s designed and built locally.”

Councils can express their interest in becoming a Right to Build vanguard via the government’s website. Getting involved at this stage will give local authorities access to funding to set up custom build registers, identify suitable sites, develop design codes and feed into the overall consultation on how to take the Right to Build forward.

What is the Right to Build?

The government has identified custom building as a key part of its long-term housing strategy, thanks in large part to lobbying by the National Self and Custom Build Association. Research suggests over 1 million people in the UK would like to build their own home – and that the biggest barrier they face is finding a suitable plot of land to do so.

The Right to Build will help to overcome this problem by allowing people to ask their council to identify plots and make ‘shovel-ready’ sites available for their project. Under the scheme, prospective self builders and custom builders will be able to register their interest in creating a new home with their local council, who will then be required to offer suitable serviced plots for sale at market value.

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