Self-build and custom-build housing register

This register is for anyone seeking to acquire a serviced plot of land to build a home.

It provides us with details of the need for serviced building plots in the Eden area. By registering an interest in self-build or custom-build housing we can assess demand. We will use the register when developing housing and planning policies.

The self-build and Custom Housebuilding Act 2015 requires local authorities to keep a register.

To build within the national parks use one of the links below.

Self-build and custom housebuilding on the Lake District National Park website.

Self-build on the Yorkshire Dales National Park website.

Eligibility criteria

To apply to be on the custom/self-build register, you must meet all of the following eligibility criteria (please note the eligibility criteria relates specifically to entry onto the custom/self-build register and is not used to assess suitability to take part in a self/custom-build/community-led housing scheme). Each individual applicant and every member of an association of individuals that applies for entry on the register must be:

• Aged 18 or older.
• A British citizen, a national of an EEA State other than the United Kingdom, or a national of Switzerland.
• Seeking (either alone or with others) to acquire a serviced plot of land within the Eden area to build a house that will then be their sole, or main, residence.

A 'serviced plot of land' means a plot that has access to a public highway and connections for electricity, water and waste water.

When applying to be entered on the register, individuals who wish to register as a constituted association must appoint a member or officer to act as the lead contact for the purposes of all correspondence between the association and the council.

In determining whether you are eligible for entry on the register, we are entitled, but not required, to rely on information you provide as part of the application process.

How to register

Register an expression of interest for Self-build and custom-build online.

In keeping this register, we are making no commitment to provide self-build or custom-build plots. The register will not be a public document, but we may publish headline data from it annually.

What happens next?

Once we have received your completed form we will:

• Determine your application within 28 days of receiving it.
• If the application is eligible, we will make an entry on the register and let you know that this has been done in writing within 28 days of determining the application. If the application is from an association, we will only notify the lead contact as identified in the application.
• If the application is not eligible we will write to you to explain the reasons within 28 days of determining the application. If the application is from an association, we will only notify the lead contact as identified in the application.

How we will use information from the register

By signing up and registering your interest, you will help us find out more about the demand for self-build and custom build plots in the Eden area, where people would like their plot to be and the type of house that they would like to build.

The information will be used to explore ways in which it might be possible for people and plots to be brought together. The Council is also required to ‘have regard’ to the Register in our planning, housing and regeneration functions and when disposing of any of our land. It will help us:

• Bring forward new policies and guidance to support our future Local Plan and help more people to build their home in the District;
• Consider using our own land if available and suitable for self-build and custom housebuilding and marketing it to those on the Register;
• Engage with landowners who own sites that are suitable for housing and encouraging them to consider self-build and custom housebuilding and facilitating access to those on the register where the landowner is interested; and
• Work with custom build developers to maximise opportunities for self-build and custom housebuilding.

Registration does not, however, guarantee that a suitable plot will be identified or become available.

Removal from the Register

To keep the custom/self-build register up to date, we will contact applicants, every 12 months, to check whether you wish to remain on the register. Applicants are also asked to contact us if their contact details change.

You may apply for removal from the register at any time. Please contact us with your request.

In addition, if we become informed that an individual or member of any association no longer meets the eligibility criteria, we will remove that entry. In such cases we will notify the individual (or lead contact in the case of an association) in writing within 28 days of the date of our decision, giving the reasons for our decision.

Data protection and Privacy policy

Westmorland and Furness Council is the data controller for the personal information you provide. You can contact the Data Protection Officer at foi2@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk. Your information will be used to assist in the compilation of the Self Build Register and processing is being conducted relying upon a contract basis. Your personal data will not be published or shared with third parties. Your information will be retained for as long as the contract is maintained. For more information on your rights, please see the Council’s data protection policy and privacy policy.

Monitoring information