Self-build and custom build homes

The Self-build and Custom Housebuilding Act 2015 as amended by the Housing and Planning Act 2016 allows local authorities and district councils to adopt 2-part registration should they wish to introduce local eligibility criteria.

With the adoption of the 2-part register the district council has introduced 2 additional criteria;

  1. The local connection test
  2. The financial solvency test

Current applicants

Due to the adoption, we will now review the current register and all applicants, both current and new will be assessed against the criteria below to determine which part (1 or 2) of the register they will be assigned to.

Part 1 of the register

To be entered in this part of the register, individuals or associations of individuals are required to meet all eligibility criteria including the local connection test. The total number of entries in part 1 counts towards the demand for self-build and custom housebuilding (SBCH) in the district. We are required to grant an equivalent number of development permissions for SBCH.

Part 2 of the register

Those who meet all eligibility criteria excluding the local connection test will be included in this part of the register. We are not required to permit serviced plots for part 2 of the register but must take into consideration applicants on this part of the register when carrying out its planning, housing, land disposal and regeneration functions.

Eligibility for entry on the register

Basic eligibility criteria

  • 18 years of age or over
  • A British citizen, a national of an EEA State other than the United Kingdom, or a national of Switzerland
  • Seeking (either alone or with others) to acquire a serviced plot of land for own self-build or custom housebuilding project to occupy as main or sole residence

Local eligibility criteria

  • Live work in the Epping Forest district for a continuous period of 2 years, up to and including the day of the application for entry in the register *
  • Have the financial resources to purchase a plot of serviced land for self-build or custom housebuilding

* Exemption – members of the Armed Forces or ex-service personnel who left the service no more than 2 years from the date of application are exempt from this condition.

Joint applications

Each applicant in joint applications must meet the eligibility criteria including members of the same household.

Applying as part of a group (association)

Applications from groups and associations of individuals are accepted. However, all group members must satisfy the above criteria to enter the register. To be entered on to part 1 of the register, each group member must satisfy both the basic and local eligibility criteria.

Associations must provide a lead contact who will act on behalf of the members.

How to apply

Apply to be on the self-build and custom housebuilding register

Further help and advice

The Government’s GOV.UK website has lots more information about the register – pay particular attention to paragraph 8 which details the eligibility criteria for entry on to the register. If you would like to talk to us about the right to build project, have any queries about the registration, or would like a copy of the registration form sent to you, contact the Housing Development team:

More information