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Right to Build Task Force Offers Free Advice for Community Self Build Projects

19th June 2018

Five community organisations could win free advice for their custom or self build project, courtesy of the Right to Build Task Force.

Each community-led scheme selected will receive five days of tailored expert support, worth up to £2,500.

What advice is on offer?

Group project support from the Task Force could include:

Organising workshops or training events to build a better understanding of what custom and self build housing is and how it can be undertaken
Kick-starting neighbourhood planning initiatives. This could include preparing planning policies and proposals, or neighbourhood development orders to create more serviced building plots
Help with selecting a suitable site and support in preparing planning applications
Advice on appointing professional services

Inspired by community projects in South America, John and Jenny Kinsley embarked on a community build alongside three other families

Powered by solar photovoltaic panels and other renewable energy sources, the building's four apartments are completely fossil fuel free

Is my community project eligible?

To be considered, schemes will need to:

Promote custom or self build housing
Result in at least five homes
Include an element of lower-cost or affordable housing

Groups should provide as much detail as possible in their applications, which will be judged according to the viability of each project and their potential to deliver new community-designed homes.

How can I apply?

Groups interested in applying should fill in an expression of interest form by 31 July 2018 on the Right to Build Toolkit website, or via the dropbox link.

Completed forms should be returned to [email protected] no later than 31 July 2018. Please contact the Task Force by email for a word version of the form.

Established by the National Custom and Self Build Association (NaCSBA), the Right to Build Task Force is supported by the Government. It works with local authorities, community groups and a range of stakeholders to deliver affordable custom and self build projects in the UK.

The Task Force is already advising several community groups including the London Older Lesbian Cohousing (LOLC) group. An innovative community build, this development consists of 20-25 homes with communal living spaces.

If you’re looking to set up a community-led housing group, make sure you’ve signed up to the Right to Build registers in your prospective locations. You can do this by visiting the Right to Build Portal.