Posted 07.05.13
Speaking at Grand Designs Live during National Self-build week, the Planning Minister Nick Boles challenged councils to boost house building by finding land for local people to build their 'Grand Design'.
The UK has the lowest level of self build homes in Europe, where more than 80% of homes are self build in Austria and more than 50% are in Scandinavia, Germany and Belgium.
Planning Minister said:
"We urgently need to build more homes and now is the time for councils to act and earmark areas that encourage people to buy a plot of land and get a builder to build them a home."
The Minister praised councils such as Bristol Council, who have already taken significant steps to identify suitable pieces of land for self builders in the City.
Housing Minister Mark Prisk said:
"I would urge councils to support aspiring self-builders in their area by considering their needs as they develop their local plans.
"We're determined to ensure anyone who wants to build their own home to have the opportunity to do so, which is why we've made £44 million available to help get their self-build projects off the ground, and why our proposed changes to the Community Infrastructure Levy will exempt self-builders, potentially saving them thousands of pounds."
It is estimated that the self build industry turns over approximately £3.6 billion a year.
