If you’re looking to build your own home, you can join our Self Build Register.
Self-build: What is it?
Self-build describes projects where the people are involved in involved in organising a build of their own home. They may choose the architect or builder, or do some of the building work or finishing off work too.
Self-building does not necessarily mean picking up bricks and actually doing the work, many self-builders will be involved in the creative side of the process.
Custom housebuilding: What is it?
Custom housebuilding describes a more ‘hands off’ approach, where a specialist developer co-ordinates the whole process for the people involved.
The emerging term 'custom-build' is beginning to be associated with a new concept of custom housebuilding, whereby developers create a number of individual serviced plots with planning permission and encourage individuals to specify their own design and build on them.
You can find out more information about what self-build and custom house building is by visiting the Self Build Portal
Self-build register
In accordance with the Self-Build and Custom Housebuilding Act 2015 and the Housing and Planning Act 2016, Solihull Council is required to keep a register of all individuals and associations of individuals who are seeking to acquire serviced plots of land in Solihull and who wish to build homes for themselves to occupy as their main residence. The register allows the Council to know who is interested in self build and custom housebuilding and allows us to take this into account when considering our housing, planning and land disposal functions.
More information on the Council’s obligations is available on the Government’s Planning Policy Guidance webpage on Self-build and custom housebuilding.
The legislation, regulations and guidance enables the Council to split the register into 2 parts.
Part 1
Part 1 of the register is for those who potentially meet Local Connection Criteria and Assessment of Financial Resource. Applicants who meet these qualifying criteria will have the ‘Right to Build’ and the Council will need to identify enough suitable plots of land for self and custom builders to build or commission their own home to meet local demand.
This is a borough wide requirement for enough suitable permissions and does not require the Council to grant permission on any specific plot for an individual.
Part 2
Part 2 of the register is for all other applicants. The Council does not have a legal obligation to identify enough suitable plots of land for those on this part of the register, however it does illustrate a level of demand to be considered by the Council, for example through the self-build and custom housebuilding policy in the Local Plan Review.
Fee
The regulations enable the Council to set a fee payable annually to remain on the register and are outlined in our Self-Build and Custom Housebuilding Register Local Connection Criteria, Assessment of Financial Resources and Fee Policy.
The fee payable in 2024/25 is £58.00. This covers the administration of the register.
Join the register
Apply to join the Solihull Self-Build and Custom Housebuilding Register
You can view the number of people on the Solihull Self-Build and Custom Housebuilding Register and the number of permissions granted.
If you have any queries or need help or advice in completing the registration form , please contact Solihull Council by emailing selfbuild@solihull.gov.uk.