Sat, 18 Apr 2026 22:34:52 +0100 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/ Lussumo Vanilla 1.0.3 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16794&Focus=284549#Comment_284549 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16794&Focus=284549#Comment_284549 Thu, 12 Nov 2020 22:33:20 +0000 djh ). There's a new draft out for review now, which again makes no provision to provide self-build plots, merely offering 'support' for third-party proposals. Does anybody keep up to date with this kind of thing? Is this allowable, or can they be persuaded to actively seek to provide plots? FWIW, as of two-and-a-half years ago they had 164 people registered on their register as wanting a plot. I don't think they are meeting the NPPF: "NPPF para. 61 states that LPAs should plan for the needs of those wishing to build their own homes."

What does the team think? And ideally can provide a solid reference for? ]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16794&Focus=284551#Comment_284551 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16794&Focus=284551#Comment_284551 Fri, 13 Nov 2020 00:38:31 +0000 Mike1
Relevant authorities should consider how they can best support self-build and custom housebuilding in their area. This could include: developing policies in their Local Plan for self-build and custom housebuilding; etc.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16794&Focus=284563#Comment_284563 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16794&Focus=284563#Comment_284563 Fri, 13 Nov 2020 10:41:17 +0000 Rex
However, one of the points I wanted mentioned in the Neighbourhood Plan was some provision for 'modern' designs, rather than the strong bias towards rejection because it did not adhere to the traditional / historic style. Of course, this did not happen and the wording is in favour of the traditional.

I does interest me that in 50 or (100) years time, what will people (assuming that Covid has not wiped out the population!) think of 21st century domestic architecture; the predominant style is developer estate boxes that are all built to a cost saving formula.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16794&Focus=284565#Comment_284565 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16794&Focus=284565#Comment_284565 Fri, 13 Nov 2020 10:55:19 +0000 fostertom https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16794&Focus=284568#Comment_284568 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16794&Focus=284568#Comment_284568 Fri, 13 Nov 2020 12:59:05 +0000 owlman I do agree however that much of late 20C stuff is destined for the bin.

On Rex's architectural comment I think much of the adherence to the traditional, is public pressure driven, as well as a lack of contemporary or innovative design sense from both house buyers, and planners alike.
I've recently watched the total, and I suspect, very expensive refurbishment of an uninspiring, quite boring, "design wise" unlisted Victorian red brick detached house. Not a huge volume interior, so I guess no IWI, still keeping the brick exterior, so no EWI, but Ah!, what lovely facsimiles of sliding sash windows, at best slim 2G. There's a new roof, a replica of the old, except now with an addition of gable parapet walls just to accentuate the pastiche effect. A wonderful opportunity missed, there is no hope.
Is the equity is better tied up in such buildings, I don't know.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16794&Focus=284572#Comment_284572 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16794&Focus=284572#Comment_284572 Fri, 13 Nov 2020 14:11:57 +0000 fostertom Posted By: owlmanthe countless rows of "back to backs" that still populate many of our old industrial landscapesGd point - I should have added that thro the 100yrs say 1870 to 1970, default building techniques became quite sound, as municipal things in general - main thing would be decent foundations. After that, it was the superstructure that became cheapened to sticks and cardboard.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16794&Focus=284579#Comment_284579 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16794&Focus=284579#Comment_284579 Fri, 13 Nov 2020 15:46:56 +0000 djh
I feel I should point out that they are actually built by Jerry. There's nothing wrong with Gerry's building skills.

There's an excellent article at:
https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/jerry-built-vs-jury-rigged-vs-jerry-rigged-usage-history]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16794&Focus=284580#Comment_284580 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16794&Focus=284580#Comment_284580 Fri, 13 Nov 2020 15:49:51 +0000 djh Posted By: Mike1This is the page you need: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/self-build-and-custom-housebuilding#land-duties
Thanks, Mike. I'm now busy reading that and the 100s of pages of 'evidence' that our district council has paid to have written.

FWIW, their proposed policy is:

Policy LP11 - Self-Build and Custom-Build
1. The Councils will support proposals for self-build/custom-build housing or proposals that
make a proportion of serviced dwelling plots available for sale to self-builders or custom
builders, on appropriate sites and where in compliance with all other relevant policies of this
Plan.
2. Special protection must be given to the landscape, biodiversity and the historic environment.
3. The proposal must not cause significant harm to residential amenity.
4. The proposal must minimise the impact of development on climate change and will be
expected to minimise dependence on fossil fuels and make the fullest contribution to the
mitigation of climate change through implementation of sustainable construction practices
and renewable energy technologies.

i.e. nothing at all constructive and as many obstacles as they can think of!!!! Grr ]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16794&Focus=285053#Comment_285053 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16794&Focus=285053#Comment_285053 Wed, 02 Dec 2020 22:01:03 +0000 djh
I've been trying to get the council to tell me what they've actually been doing, other than setting up a register. But I haven't had much success - my local councillor (a Green) passed me to one of his mates who is more involved (also a Green) but said colleague seems to be of the obstructionist persuasion so I'm trying to think what else I can do.

One thought I had was to write to the planning department and ask them what information they have published on the subject. It's my understanding that by now they should have begun issuing planning permissions on allocated self or custom build sites to matche the number of people on their register three years ago. But do they have to publish that information?

If anybody knows anything relevant, I'd love to know it.

There seem to be many self-build sites keen to help potential self-builders but I haven't found anything useful so far.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16794&Focus=285085#Comment_285085 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16794&Focus=285085#Comment_285085 Thu, 03 Dec 2020 17:05:01 +0000 Mike1 Posted By: djhIt's my understanding that by now they should have begun issuing planning permissions on allocated self or custom build sites to match the number of people on their register three years ago. But do they have to publish that information?
You won't get the answer by the 24th, but why not put in a Freedom of Information request - in most cases they are be obliged to provide the information. An easy way to do so is via whatdotheyknow.com, which I've used in the past.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16794&Focus=285086#Comment_285086 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16794&Focus=285086#Comment_285086 Thu, 03 Dec 2020 17:08:38 +0000 borpin Posted By: djhOne thought I had was to write to the planning department and ask them what information they have published on the subject.Make it an FOI request.

But be really careful how you word it. The number of requests I used to see that had the "Oh that really is not the right question" response in my head. They will answer precisely what you ask. A bit Alice in Wonderland.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16794&Focus=285087#Comment_285087 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16794&Focus=285087#Comment_285087 Thu, 03 Dec 2020 17:09:49 +0000 Mike1 https://righttobuildtoolkit.org.uk/briefing-notes/examples-of-how-councils-use-the-planning-system-to-encourage-opportunities/]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16794&Focus=285094#Comment_285094 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16794&Focus=285094#Comment_285094 Thu, 03 Dec 2020 20:24:28 +0000 djh Posted By: Mike1BTW, have you come across https://righttobuildtoolkit.org.uk/briefing-notes/examples-of-how-councils-use-the-planning-system-to-encourage-opportunities/
No I hadn't seen that, thanks. It's nice to see some councils are making an effort but I'm not too surprised that Suffolk doesn't appear on the page! ]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16794&Focus=285095#Comment_285095 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16794&Focus=285095#Comment_285095 Thu, 03 Dec 2020 20:26:21 +0000 djh Posted By: borpinMake it an FOI request.

But be really careful how you word it. The number of requests I used to see that had the "Oh that really is not the right question" response in my head. They will answer precisely what you ask. A bit Alice in Wonderland.
Any idea of how to word it?

Given that my goal is to respond to the council's draft plan by their deadline of 24th, I'd also welcome any other suggestions of how to get information.]]>