Self Build Register

The Self-build and Custom Housebuilding Act 2015 places a duty on Local Authorities in England to self-build or custom-build projects in their area. This register will help the Council assess the demand for self-build and custom-build housing plots in East Herts and assist the Council in developing its future housing and planning policies.

What is the Purpose of the Register?

The purpose of the Register is to enable the Council to gather evidence to see if there is demand for self-build or custom-build homes within the District. The Government has issued regulations that state that once evidence of demand has been established, the Council will be required to grant sufficient planning permissions for serviced plots to meet this demand.

What are Self-build and Custom build homes?

The terms 'self-build' and 'custom-build' describe situations where individuals or groups are involved in creating their own, individually designed home. The amount of personal involvement will vary. For example, some self-builders physically build all or part of a home themselves. At the other end of the spectrum, a developer may find a site and then seek a number of self-build clients and build their homes to their specification under a contract.

Eligibility for Joining the Register

You can join the self-build register provided you meet the eligibility criteria set out below;

  • You are aged 18 or over;
  • You are a British Citizen, a National of an EEA State other than the UK, or a National of Switzerland; and
  • You are seeking 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.

You will need to provide suitable copies of evidence such as a copy of your passport and basic financial information to demonstrate you have sufficient resources to undertake a self-build project. This personal information will be disclosed to other parties. The register is not a public document but anonymised headline figures will be published.

In submitting a completed form along with the necessary documentation, the Council will assess your application and notify you whether you have been successful in joining Part 1 or Part 2 of the Self-build and Custom Housebuilding Register within 28 days. Please note that joining the register does not guarantee that a suitable plot will be identified or made available to you.

If you would like to register please fill in our Self Build Register Application