Overview
Self build and custom housebuilding covers a range of routes to creating a home you will live in. You might manage the design and construction yourself, or commission a builder or developer to deliver a home to your specification.
This guidance explains the options, the register, who can apply, how we use your information, the legal framework, and our duty to grant permissions for serviced plots.
If you want to join the register go to Register your interest in self build and custom housebuilding.
Options for self build and custom housebuilding
Self build
- You take responsibility for design, construction and finance on a single plot.
- The plot may or may not already have planning permission.
Custom build
- A multi plot site is led by a landowner, developer or enabler.
- You commission a home within agreed parameters for design, size and timing.
Serviced plots
- A plot with access to a public highway and connections for electricity, water and waste water, or the ability to provide them within an agreed time.
Custom models
- Serviced plot model where you buy a serviced plot with permission and build to a design code.
- Customisable homes where you purchase a serviced plot and a design and build contract, with choices on layout and finish. Some buyers self finish to completion.
Custom housing is not limited to detached homes. It can include terraces, apartments, community led schemes and affordable housing.
Apply to the register
The register helps us understand demand for self build and custom plots in Trafford. It informs planning policy and decisions.
Who can apply
- You are 18 or over.
- You are a British citizen or have the legal right to live in the UK.
- You seek a serviced plot in Trafford to build a home you will occupy as your main residence.
You can apply as an individual or as part of an association. Groups should nominate a lead contact.
What registration means
- It does not guarantee a plot will be found for you.
- It does not grant planning permission.
- It helps us plan for future housing need and manage our duty to permission enough serviced plots.
How to apply
Use the online form on Register your interest in self build and custom housebuilding. You can ask us to update or remove your details at any time.
After you apply
- We will confirm in writing within 28 days whether your application is eligible.
- If we consider you are not eligible we will tell you why.
- To be removed from the register, email strategic.planning@trafford.gov.uk.
Why we collect extra information
We ask about preferred location and plot size. This helps us build an accurate picture of demand while the Local Plan is being prepared.
How we use your information
- We keep the register under regular review.
- We report headline demand in our evidence base and in the Authority Monitoring Report.
- We will not publish personal contact details.
- We will not share identifiable information outside the Council without your written consent.
Legal framework
- Self build and Custom Housebuilding Act 2015 as amended by the Housing and Planning Act 2016
- Self build and Custom Housebuilding Regulations 2016
- Self build and Custom Housebuilding Time for Compliance and Fees Regulations 2016
The law defines self build and custom housebuilding as homes built or completed by individuals, associations, or people working for them, to be occupied as homes by those individuals.
Duty to grant permission for serviced plots
We must grant sufficient permissions for serviced plots to meet demand shown on the register. The duty is measured over rolling three year base periods from 31 October to 30 October.
A serviced plot has highway access and connections for electricity, water and waste water, or the ability to provide them in set circumstances or within a set period.
Contact
Email strategic.planning@trafford.gov.uk if you have questions about the register or this guidance.