Self and Custom Build Register
Since 1 April 2016, councils have been required by the Self-build and Custom Housebuilding Act 2015 to set up local registers of those looking to buy plots of land to commission or build their own homes.
What is self-build and custom build?
Self-build in this context means that you are directly involved in organising the design and construction of your home. It does not mean you actually have to build it yourself.
Custom-build usually means working with a specialist developer to deliver your home.
There may be some overlap between the two, for example some custom build developers offer the option of a serviced plot where you can design and build your own home as part of a larger scheme.
Why register?
If you are registered, the council will be able to let you know if/when it has a suitable site in its ownership that meets your requirements. By signing up you will help us find out more about the demand for self and custom build plots, where people would like their plot to be and the type of home they would like to build.
Please note that completing an entry on the register does not guarantee that the council will be able to identify a suitable site for you.
Do I need to register?
You do not need to be on the register to self or custom build. This method of developing a home has always been possible through buying a plot of land with planning permission or buying a suitable plot of land and applying for planning permission. The new register is however intended to promote this form of development.
How to register
Entry is only for those wishing to have their sole or main home in the borough.
The optional questions are designed to give the council a clearer picture of your wishes and the type and location of site that would meet your requirements. We also need to understand what sort of property you want and could afford to build and when.
If you are part of a couple or other household group that wants to register for a single plot, please complete one application in one of your names. If you are representing a self-build group and would like to make an application on behalf of the group, please complete an association application.
How much does it cost?
Part 1 - for entries on Part 1 of the register, the council must count these entries towards the number of suitable serviced plots that they must grant development permission for.
Part 2 - for those who do not meet the requirements of the local connection criteria, they will then be placed on Part 2. The council has a duty to regard the entries on Part 2 of the register when carrying out planning, housing, land disposal and regeneration functions.
Once we have received your completed form we will determine your application to be included on the register within 28 days of receiving it. If your application is eligible, we will then invoice you as follows:
- Part 1 register - £79.00 per application
- Part 2 register - £39.50 per application
Please contact planning.policy@ribblevalley.gov.uk to arrangement payment.
What happens next?
Once you have submitted your application we will notify you within 28 days of recipt as to the success of your application for entry to the register.
Privacy
We will not pass personally identifiable information from the register on to anyone outside the council, other than those who process information on our behalf, without your written consent.
Removal from the register
You can write to us at any time to ask to amend your entry or to ask be removed. Please let us know if you are no longer looking for a plot in Ribble Valley. We will contact you periodically to confirm that you wish to remain on the register.
Useful information
View a redacted copy of the Ribble Valley Self-build and Custom Housebuilding Register.
You can look up the details of planning permissions on our Planning Applications page.
You can also see which sites are allocated for housing development on the Housing and Economic Development DPD Proposals Map.
Get self-build home guidance on the Planning Portal.