Local authorities in England are required to research demand for self-build plots in their area from 1 April 2016, under the Self-build and Custom Housebuilding Act 2015.
Harrow is therefore maintaining a list of people and groups interested in building their own homes in the borough.
Two-part register
Since 31 October 2019 Harrow has been operating a two-part register. Part 1 of the Register is for those individuals or associations that meet the local connection test. Part 2 being all other applicants that meet the minimum requirements to be entered on to the Register.
Under Government legislation, the Council is expected to meet the ‘baseline demand’ for each annual baseline period within three years of the conclusion of each base period. To do this, the Council should grant sufficient planning permissions for serviced self-build plots. This is in order to meet the demand as measured by the number of entries on Part 1 of the Register.
Entries on Part 2 of the Register do not count towards demand for granting sufficient planning permissions. However local authorities must consider Part 2 of the register when carrying out planning, housing, land disposal and regeneration functions.
Fees
From 31 October 2019 the Council will also be charging fees to be entered onto the register (both parts) and to be retained on the register (for Part 1 of the register). Further detail is set out below.
Minimum requirements
To apply to be on Harrow’s Self-build Register applicants must meet the following criteria. For applicants applying as an association, all members must meet the criteria.
- aged 18 or older
- a British citizen, a national of an EEA country (other than the United Kingdom), or a national of Switzerland; and
- seeking (either alone or with others) to acquire a serviced plot of land within the borough's boundaries for a self-build or custom-build home for your own occupation
Applicants must also:
- Have access to sufficient financial resources to purchase land in Harrow. Applications will be evaluated individually to provide a fair assessment, although funding of at least £250,000 is likely to be required as a starting point to purchase any reasonably sized plot of land in Harrow.
- Pay the registration fee (details below). The fee only needs to be paid if it is confirmed that the applicant/s are eligible to join the register. If applying as an association, all members must pay the registration fee.
Part 1 of the Register – Local Connection
Applicants must have a local connection to Harrow in order to be eligible to join Part 1 of the register, as follows:
- Currently live in the London Borough of Harrow and have done for at least two out of the last three years immediately prior to making an application.
- Currently have paid work in the London Borough of Harrow for at least 16 hours a week and have done so for a continuous period of at least three years immediately prior to making application.
- Currently serving in the regular armed forces, or have formerly served in the armed forces within the past three years immediately prior to making application.
Part 2 – Other
If applicants do not have any of the local connections above but meet the minimum requirements to be entered onto the register, then they can join Part 2 of the register.
Fees
The following fees are effective from 31st October 2019:
- Fee for entry to Part 1 of register: £100, with annual retention fee of £50
- Fee for entry to Part 2 of the register: £50 (payable once, no annual retention fee)
Making an application
Should you wish to make an application to be on the Harrow Self-Build Register, please email ldf.ldf@harrow.gov.uk for further information and an application form.
Please note that the Council no longer accepts applications via The Local Self Build Register.