Self and custom housebuilding register
Self and custom housebuilding register
Information for people looking to find serviced plots of land to build their own home.
What is self and custom build?
Many people choose to build or commission their own home. A self or custom build project gives you flexibility to design a home to meet your personal desires.
The first occupier(s) of each dwelling must have a reasonable degree of primary input into the design and layout of their home. They may also get involved in aspects of its construction.
You can do your project as an individual or with a group. You could do all the work yourself, or work with specialists to deliver your new home. Custom build involves working with a specialist developer to commission a home. You can work with them to tailor your home to your specific requirements.
Find out more about self and custom housebuilding:
- Self Build Portal
- Planning Portal - Planning a self-build home
- Right to Build Task Force
- National Custom and Self Build Association (NaCSBA)
Register your interest in finding a plot
Looking to find a plot of land for building your own home in Northumberland? Fill in and submit our online form below to register your interest. This helps us to understand the demand for finding self and custom-build plots in the county.
To make an entry on the Register, you (and, where applicable, each member of your group) must be:
- over 18 years or older;
- a British citizen, or a national of a EEA State (other than the UK) or Switzerland;
- seeking a serviced plot of land in Northumberland (meaning those with connections to a road and utilities); and
- intending to build or commission the building of a new home to occupy as your sole or main residence.
One person should fill in the form. If you wish to make an entry as a household or a group, you should nominate one person to act as a lead individual.
Register your interest in building your own home in Northumberland using our e-form.
What is the demand for self and custom build plots?
We have a legal duty to grant permission for enough plots to meet the level of demand indicated by the Register. We have three years to permit enough plot opportunities after each registration year. Please note, we are not required to provide you with a plot, or permit plots to meet your personal preferences. But your locations of preference, plot and build budget do help to guide our decision making.
Our self and custom housebuilding monitoring report analyses the demand in Northumberland. It compares this with the numbers of plots permitted. Appendix C details potential self and custom housebuilding plot opportunities across the county. You may find this useful to help you find a permitted plot.
Self-Build and Custom Housebuilding Register Monitoring Report (December 2024)
Appendix C - Summary schedule of planning permissions for self and custom-build plots
Appendix D - Summary schedule of permissions for demolition and rebuild dwellings
Appendix E - Summary schedule of planning permissions for rural worker's dwellings
See also council-owned land and property for sale in Northumberland. You can also search independent plot finder and estate agent websites to find plots being marketed for sale in the area.
Registering a plot for self or custom build
Do you own a plot of land in Northumberland that may be suitable for self or custom build development? Landowners or their agents can submit potential plots using the online form below. You will need to provide site details, marketing details and supporting documents (such as maps, photos, plans). Please ensure you have permission from the landowner before putting forward a site.
We have already assessed some sites for their potential suitability for housing development. Before submitting your plot check our Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment (SHLAA) map. This will show if we have already assessed your site. If your site is already known to us, please note down its 4-digit reference number on the relevant part of the form. If you are unable to access the above link, please contact us.
Registering a plot of land does not mean we will consider it suitable for development. It does not grant any form of planning permission on the site. Nor does it mean an application for self or custom-build housing on the site will gain permission. You will still need to apply for planning permission. The Council does not market submitted sites in any way.
Register a plot of land for possible self or custom build development using our e-form.
How will we use the information from the registers?
Registering your interest helps us to find out the demand for plots within the county. It also informs our housing evidence base. Registering a plot of land helps us to know where there might be potential sites to help meet the demand.
We may contact you to confirm your eligibility. Or to discuss opportunities for self and custom housebuilding projects. We will not share your personal information with anyone outside the Council. Please contact us if you no longer wish to be on the Self and Custom Build Register. For example, if you have now found a plot, or are no longer interested in finding a plot in Northumberland.
We need to meet data protection requirements. We will remove your personal details from the Register after a 4-year period. Your entry will still count towards the demand numbers. You can choose to re-register at any time if you wish to maintain your personal details on the Register. There is no need to re-register every year. We will remove any older duplicate or repeat entries from the same person, household or group.
We are not affiliated to any organisations promoting self or custom housebuilding services.
If you have any queries, please contact housing.proposals@northumberland.gov.uk. You can also contact us if you need paper copies of either form.
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