Decision details

To consider a report discussing processes.

The Cabinet had before it a report of the Head of Planning, Economy and Regeneration requesting approval of the use of consultancy support to help the Council move the agenda forward for Custom and Self Build homes in Mid Devon.

The Forward Planning Team Leader outlined the contents of the report stating that it was recognised that housing was becoming increasingly unaffordable and that there was a need to supply new homes and to meet local housing needs which included the provision of homes of the right type, tenure and built in the right places where people wanted to live.  He outlined the definition of self-build and custom housebuilding as outlined in the Housing and Planning Act of 2016 and Policy S3 of the emerging Local Plan Review.

He reported that there was also a legal obligation for the Council to keep a register of individuals who were seeking to acquire serviced plots of land in the district.  The proposed self-build officer would share knowledge and experience with planning officers and help those officers to engage and negotiate with applicants.  The Task Force would provide technical guidance which would lead to the formation of a Supplementary Planning Document and also provide advice regarding how the scheme worked, possible funding opportunities and design codes.  The annual membership of the National Custom and Self Build Association would bring advantages to the Council.

He added that an equalities impact assessment had been carried out.  The outcome was that the recommendations within the report were considered to have a positive impact upon equalities through advancing the provision of self and custom built housing, thereby widening the supply of new homes, particularly allowing greater opportunities for choice and greater affordability.

Consideration was given to:

·         Whether there was an interest for the self-build initiative in Mid Devon

·         Whether the requirements for plots to be made available for self-build properties would have effect on the number of affordable houses proposed within  large developments

·         The possibility of further information being made available to Members

·         The finding of the equalities impact assessment.

RESOLVED that:

a)        The appointment of the Right To Build Task Force to provide consultancy support to the Council, including the secondment of a Self-Build Officer from Teignbridge District Council on a short term basis be approved,

b)        Annual membership of the National Custom and Self Build Association be progressed.

(Proposed by the Chairman)

Note:  *Report previously circulated, copy attached to minutes.