Housing secretary Robert Jenrick has announced a review of the Right to Build law to make it easier for people to build their own home.
Councils are currently required to keep a register of those who wish to build in their local area and to grant planning permission to enough suitable plots to match demand by October 30 each year.
The review, which was announced last week (October 30), will examine how effective the arrangements are to support self and custom building, including whether they increase land available to support these homes.
According to the government, there are currently around 15,000 homes built every year, an increase of 50 per cent in two years.
However, it added there was more to be done to support the self and custom build industry, which it described as an important part in helping people get their foot on the housing ladder.
Mr Jenrick said: “We are backing people who want to design and build their own home and today I have launched a review to ensure councils provide enough land and take proper consideration for these homes when making planning decisions in their area.
“This will help more people get a foot on the housing ladder and support our building industry as we deliver the homes that this country needs.”
Richard Bacon, ambassador for the Right to Build task force, added: “Some local councils are already doing an excellent job in providing more opportunities but some others are not yet supporting the spirit of the legislation and have some way to go if they are to grasp the huge opportunities for more and better housing which greater customer choice offers.
“We need to make sure every council is able to deliver on this important agenda which will help provide more high quality homes.”
Chris Oatway, director at LDNfinance, commented: “The UK in comparison to other countries has a very low percentage of houses that are built by the owners. This is a great step forward by the government creating opportunities for individuals to build their dream homes.
“The government needs to build on this and have a strategic approach to housing to address the planning process to create solutions to the growing concern of limited housing supply.”
chloe.cheung@ft.com
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