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

Housekeeper/Domestic Assistant/Cleaner -Longlands

West Northamptonshire Council
12.90ph
Longlands Care home provides exceptional levels of support in nursing, residential and Dementia care. It is situated in Daventry, and it offers a wonderful living environment in which our residents can enjoy an enhanced quality of life. We have te Daventry
Recuriter: West Northamptonshire Council

Maintenance Operative

North Yorkshire Council
£29,064 - £38,220 pro rata per annum
Are you a Maintenance Operative looking to further develop your skills and experience within a construction/repairs environment? Harrogate, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Painter and Decorator

North Yorkshire Council
£29,064 - £34,434 per annum
Are you someone who takes pride in making spaces feel welcoming, safe, and cared for? Harrogate, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Joiner

North Yorkshire Council
£29,064 to £38,220 per annum
Are you a skilled Joiner seeking an opportunity to enhance your expertise? Harrogate, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Highways Development Management - Principal Engineer

Kirklees Metropolitan Council
£45,091- £47,181
At Kirklees, we are seeking to appoint a motivated, enthusiastic and organised Principal Highways Engineer Kirklees, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Kirklees Metropolitan Council
Linkedin Banner