Fee for joining our self-build register
The Self-build and Custom Housebuilding (Time for Compliance and Fees) Regulations 2016 allows us to charge a fee for entry and to remain on the register for a period of 3 years.
Under these regulations, we can adopt a charge to recover reasonable costs we've incurred. These costs include determining applications, maintaining the register and corresponding with entrants on the register. Any charging schedule that we adopt must be prepared on a cost recovery basis.
From September 2021, we're charging for entries to our self-build and custom build register, where they'll remain for 3 years.
The fee will be:
- £90 for individuals
- £90 for each member of associations or groups of self or custom builders
The fees are payable on application to join registration and your entry on the register will not be accepted until the fee is paid.
This charge is an administration fee and entry onto the self-build register does not guarantee that a self-build plot will be made available to you for purchase. The self-build register is an indication of local demand and does not obligate us to source plots for individuals or groups/associations. However, we do have an obligation to issue enough permissions to meet the demand.
Please email selfbuild@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk if you have any questions.
About the register
The Self-Build and Custom Housebuilding Act 2015 (link opens in new window) places a duty on local councils in England to keep and have regard to a register of people who are interested in self-build or custom-build projects in their area. This register will help inform us of the level of demand for self-build and custom-build plots in our area and enable us to develop a strategy for delivering serviced plots for self-build and custom-build projects.
What is self-build and custom-build?
Self-build and custom-build housing is housing built by individuals or groups for their own use, either by building the home on their own or by working with builders.
Self-build projects are defined as those where someone directly organises the design and construction of their own home. This covers a wide range of projects, including a traditional DIY self-build home to projects where the self builder employs someone to build their home for them. Community-led projects can also be defined as self-build.
Custom-build homes are where you work with a developer as an individual or a group to help deliver your own home. The developer may help to find a plot, manage the construction and arrange the finance for your new home. This is more of a hands-off approach, but your home will be tailored to match your individual requirements.
Why choose self-build and custom-build homes?
Homes built in this way offer an alternative to standard market housing that may not meet your household’s needs. Self and custom-build homes can be built to your own specification, subject to both planning guidance and regulations, and building regulations compliance (link opens in new window). They offer opportunity for innovative design to make greener and more affordable than standard housing.
Who can be entered onto the register?
The eligibility criteria for an entry onto the register are set out in the Self-Build and Custom Housebuilding Act 2015 (link opens in new window). The Act specifies, that to be eligible, an individual must be: