North Devon Council has a joint Local Plan with Torridge District Council and we are working together to find out how much interest there is in self-build and custom built housing across northern Devon. Depending on the level of interest, it may influence future housing policies to ensure there is sufficient land available to meet demand.

To do this, both Councils are required to maintain our own separate register of individuals and groups of individuals who want to build or have their own home built. In addition to this, the Councils are inviting landowners and communities to identify sites within or adjoining towns, villages and rural settlements, which may be suitable for self-build housing.

Where possible, the register may be used to try and match those with an interest in starting a self-build or custom house building project with landowners who might have suitable plots of land available.

Any proposal for self-build and custom built housing will need a formal planning application and will be subject to the relevant policies set out within the development plan for the area.

Additional information on self-build homes is available through the Self-Build Portal which provides encouragement and advice to people who want to build or commission their own home.