Izzy Lepone 01 August 2025

Councils underperform in meeting self-build plots demand

Councils underperform in meeting self-build plots demand image
Scaffolding surrounds a house under construction with a tiled roof and exposed wooden gable. © Ian Dyball / Shutterstock.com.

Over 50% of councils reportedly did not abide by legal guidelines around authorising sufficient numbers of self-build homes.

Forty per cent of these local authorities fell short by at least half of the expected quantity of self-build plots, according to The Times.

The National Self Build & Renovation Centre (NSBRC) has highlighted that councils are legally obliged to record and match the demand for self-build plots by ensuring a ‘supply of appropriate plots’ is provided.

An NSBRC spokesperson said: ‘Self built homes are typically better designed than mass-produced housing, much more energy efficient and often being built by local people who are already engaged with the local community.

‘We would urge local councils to ensure they take their obligations seriously, and in the right spirit (i.e. not putting obstacles in the way such as means testing or register fees) and we encourage government to both provide adequate level of funding and resource for local authority planning departments’.

The NSBRC also emphasised the importance of taking ‘action’ against councils that underperform based on the legal requirements.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Transport and Major Work Manager

Slough Borough Council
£54,556 to £60,085 per year Inclusive of Local Weighting Allowance of £1096
Drive the future of transport and infrastructure in Slough Slough, Berkshire
Recuriter: Slough Borough Council

Waste Operations Support Officers

Durham County Council
£28,142-£31,022 (pay award pending)
Temporary until 1 June 2029   Refuse and Recycling are looking for 2 Waste Operations Support Officers to work in the 1 North, and 1 South of County D Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Home Care and Support Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 4 - £12,791.50 to £13,412 per annum (Hourly Rate of £13.26, rising to £13.90) - pay award pending.
If you have elderly friends or relatives, you’ll understand the value they place on independence. As a Home Care and Support Worker, you’ll have the Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Waste Recycling Non HGV Driver Chargehand

Durham County Council
Grade 6 £28,142 - £31,022 per annum (pay award pending)
Are you an experienced driver with strong leadership skills? We’re looking for a Non-HGV Driver Chargehand to join our Waste and Recycling team. In t Peterlee
Recuriter: Durham County Council

School Crossing Patrol

Durham County Council
Grade 1 £3,615 (approx.) £12.85 per hour
Join our School Crossing Patrol Service!   Are you punctual and reliable? Do you have good communication skills and a strong sense of community spirit Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner