18 December 2022

Levelling Up Bill Update for Custom & Self-Build Housing

A simple green outline of a house, featuring a triangular roof and a rectangular chimney against a white background.
By Self Build Zone
Construction site showing a multi-story building with scaffolding and materials; a crane and clear blue sky in the background.

Latest amendments

Richard Bacon MP has tabled two important amendments to the LURB (NC112; NC115) which is expected back in Report next week. These build on the Government’s amendment (Gov NC68) to the Self-build and Custom Housebuilding Act 2015 that seeks to clarify how the duty for local authorities to grant sufficient planning permission for self-build and custom housebuilding (SBCH) should be applied.

Richard Bacon’s first amendment (NC112) further tightens the definition of SBCH to require that occupants of such homes must have ‘main input into the full design and layout of their home’. It brings the Government’s Planning Practice Guidance into the legislation to make it clear that SBCH does not include the sale of off-plan homes or homes purchased at the plan stage prior to construction where an individual has not had design input. It also ensures that the legislation takes full account of the evolving SBCH market by recognising that most homes are built by building firms, businesses or companies for individuals who want to build a home.

The second amendment (NC115) further strengthens the Act regarding what permissions count towards meeting an authority’s duty to grant sufficient planning permission. A new sub-section under 2A(6) of the Act makes clear that to be counted, permissions must specify the precise number of SBCH dwellings and must be subject to an express planning condition or planning obligation requiring such homes to be built in line with the SBCH definition. The latter measure is something we at Custom Build Homes and our consultants strongly advocate for our schemes and is already now routinely required by Planning Inspectors on appeal to ensure the scheme is implemented for its intended purpose.

The amendment also clarifies that the demand for SBCH as recorded on an authority’s register is cumulative.

Custom Build Homes’ Mario Wolf, Director of Planning and Strategic Engagement said:

“Both amendments are in tune with the rapid evolution of the SBCH market and the challenges posed by the way the Act is being applied. They are designed to (1) ensure the legislation achieves its objectives to scale up the supply of serviced building plots to meet increasing local demand and diversify the market; (2) prevent gaming by developers whilst allowing for variations in the way homes are commissioned; and (3) stop authorities from maintaining their registers in ways which restrict supply.”

References:

Custom Build Homes’ Mario Wolf, Director of Planning and Strategic Engagement, blogged on LinkedIn

NaCSBA https://nacsba.org.uk/news/legislation-update/

 

Latest News

insurance for home conversions
How Conversion Insurance Provides Peace of Mind During Building Projects
Read More
conversion insurance for developers site protection
Conversion Insurance for Developers A Practical Guide to Protecting Your Investment
Read More
Protecting Your Self-Build Project: Tips and Best Practices
Protecting Your Self-Build Project: Tips and Best Practices
Read More
site insurance permitted development
Why Site Insurance Is Essential Even for Permitted Development Projects
Read More
planning spring builds
Planning Your Spring Building Project: A Practical Checklist for Self Builders and Converters
Read More
risks in early build stages
Common Risks During the Early Build Stages and How to Protect Your Project
Read More
labour budget housebuilding self builders
What the Labour Autumn Budget Means for Housebuilding and Self Builders
Read More
Wooden stairs in a building under renovation, with exposed brick walls and unfinished structural framing.
Protecting Your Investment: Insurance for Renovations
Read More
Renovation Projects Insurance
Renovation Project Insurance: What You Need to Know
Read More