Issue details

To approve the removal of the charging fee for the Council’s Self Build and Custom Housebuilding Register.

On the 21^st March 2016, the Council launched the Self Build and Custom Housebuilding Register, which ensured the Authority complied with relevant Government policy, legislation and regulation.  On 10 July 2017, the Executive approved the introduction of both a ‘local connection test’ and a charge in response to new relevant Government regulations.  Since then, the Council has produced a Self-Build and Custom Housebuilding Action Plan, that considered what it could do to promote this form of housing.  This Action Plan was approved by the Executive on 03 September 2018.  In paragraph 7.4 of the Action Plan, the Council recognised that the register is a helpful guide to understanding interest and potential demand for self-build and custom-housebuilding.  The Action Plan also explained that it is important that the Council undertakes more detailed research to obtain a realistic understanding of local demand and need, including such individuals and organisations abilities to afford such housing options.  Consequently, the Council considers the lifting of a charge will encourage interest in self-build and custom housebuilding in the Borough.