could not be carried out unless permission was first sought through a planning application. The planning application would then be assessed against the relevant policies in the development plan and any supporting guidance.

  1. 347) The location of car parking through hard paving associated with this type of use can be unsightly. Good landscaping can reduce the damaging effects of this and enhance the appearance of the dwelling and, therefore, the residential area.

HOM 12: Self-build and custom build homes

  1. On sites of 100 or more dwellings, the council will require a minimum of 5% of the plots to be made available as serviced plots suitable for self and/or custom-build, and will be controlled by the following means:
  2. Development that would result in 5 or more self/custom-build units on a single site will be expected to provide a Design Code as part of the planning application process; and
  3. Where a plot has been made available and marketed at a reasonable sale value to self/custom-builders for a period of at least 12 months, and has not been sold, the plot can be developed for market or other appropriate housing.
  4. Development containing only apartments will be exempt from these requirements, although the council encourages developers to consider the inclusion of space for custom-build apartments in such schemes.
  5. The inclusion of self/custom build homes on smaller sites will also be supported and will be expected to conform with the principles set out in this policy.

Explanation

  1. 348) The council recognises that self and custom build housing can help to deliver more diverse housing in the borough. It can also contribute to meeting the need for additional housing. The policy encompasses a range of different types of housing delivery which all fit within the definition of self and custom build. Self-build projects refer to developments where individuals or associations purchase land and build their own house or houses on a serviced plot. Custom building is similar to self-build, but some aspects of the process will be facilitated by the developer. This policy also applies to community-led housing and co-housing. These housing types are driven by a group of people wishing to meet their own housing needs.