The ‘Right to Build’

28th February 2019

In 2016, new legislation came into force which meant that councils now have a duty to grant planning permission to appropriate serviced plots as part of the ‘Right to Build’ entitlement. This was part of the government’s solution to tackling housing shortages across the country – the objective was to double the value of the custom and self build market by 41% by 2020. But has the scheme been a success?

Under the Right to Build, all councils in England must maintain a register of individuals and groups who want to build their own homes. This potentially game-changing scheme means that councils have a duty to grant planning permission for sufficient serviced plots to meet demand, measured on Right to Build registers, within a three-year period (and on an ongoing basis).

The idea is that this could not only transform the self build sector, but also provide a much-needed opportunity for the continually under-delivering housebuilding market.

So what does this all mean? Essentially, we’re now in a position where we can ask our local authorities to look to make viable plots available to us. This should lead to serviced sites with genuine planning permission coming through to meet the level of demand elected on each council’s register.

If enough of people sign up, it could also boost the general interest for self and custom build among decision-makers, and encourage them to grant planning consent for more custom-built schemes – not just those that are supported through the Right to Build.

So has it been a success? In the year October 2016 to October 2017, 15,174 plots were granted for new buildings and conversions. This is up from 11,850 plots granted the year before — an increase of 28 percent. Moreover, research by the National Custom and Self Build Association (NaCSBA) has found that, since 1st April 2016, over 40,000 people have now signed up to Right to Build registers across England. Although, this is positive it falls far short of the number required to meet demand.

Disclaimer - All information in this post was correct at time of writing.
Other Blogs
Byron Roberts
26th March 2024 Making Tax Digital for Income Tax coming soon

Making Tax Digital for Income Tax will soon be upon us.   Over the past few years’ rents have been increasing and will continue to increase as inflation remains high. Many landlords will now be affected or will be coming close to the qualifying limits. With April 2026 fast approaching for those with qualifying income…

Amanda Newman
25th March 2024 Finance available for start ups

Did you know that there is finance available for start ups?   Starting in business can be an expensive task and a lot of businesses are not always aware of the funding that is available from the government to help with this.   Where to start The most popular is the government backed start up…

Harriet Sim
25th March 2024 The end of Furnished Holiday Lettings

The recent Budget announcements will bring an end to the tax advantages afforded to the owners of Furnished Holiday Lettings (FHL) and set them apart from the owners of normal residential properties.   At present, qualifying FHL’s provide a number of tax advantages: Unrestricted tax relief for mortgage interest Entitlement to claim capital allowances, including…

Megan Turner
22nd March 2024 Directors’ Responsibilities

What are directors’ responsibilities? As a director, you are legally responsible for running the company. This must be done in line with both the articles of association and Companies Act 2006.   A key role is to ensure that all statutory reporting requirements are met. This includes, but is not limited to: Filing the annual…

Louise Bassett
21st March 2024 Don’t Delay: Farming Equipment and Technology Fund Deadlines

Earlier this week, DEFRA added the closing dates for the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF).   If you’re a farmer, horticulturist, forestry owner or contractor to the any of the aforementioned, and you’re looking to improve productivity, manage slurry or improve animal health and welfare through the use of new technology and equipment, don’t…

Shamus Chaplin
21st March 2024 Removal of Multiple Dwellings Relief for SDLT

On 6th March 2024, the abolition of the Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) relief known as Multiple Dwellings Relief (MDR) was announced. The Reasoning HMRC’s tax reliefs evaluation programme has determined that MDR has not satisfied its original objectives. They have concluded that there have been numerous cases where the relief has been abused and…