Self-Build Study Trip a Success

In a drive to increase self and custom build opportunities Teignbridge District Council recently hosted several other local authorities from the south west to share their experiences.

The tour included a trip to the National Self-Build and Renovation Centre (NSBRC) in Swindon and Cherwell District Council’s Graven Hill site (the largest self and custom build development in the UK). A visit to the site’s new plot shop offered insight into how to market sites to potential self-builders.

“Seeing a local authority bring on custom build on a large scale gives other councils the confidence to take a risk on bringing on their own custom and self-build projects,” says Charles Acland, self-build project manager at Teignbridge.

The council is known for leading the way when it comes to enabling people to build their own bespoke homes, having won the Build It Awards’ 2016 Best Council for Self or Custom Builders category.

“As a trail-blazer in custom and self-build housing, Teignbridge is helping local people to build their way onto the housing ladder, so they get more home for the money. Thanks to the NSBRC and Cherwell, this tour was thought-provoking and inspiring,” says Teignbridge District Council’s Cllr Jeremy Christophers.

The tour marks the beginning of greater collaboration between local authorities and the sharing of knowledge vital to promoting self and custom build. Councils will be incentivised by the Right to Build’s requirement for serviced plots to be provided within three years of individuals signing-up to the self and custom build registers.