The NaCSBA has welcomed the publication of the findings of Sir Oliver Letwin’s Independent Review of Build Out, including his conclusion that a lack of diversity of build types is at the heart of slow build out rates on large sites
Findings from the Letwin review support the recent RIBA report ’10 Characteristics of Places where People want to Live’, which suggests that Custom and Self-builds should be an integral element in placemaking.
The RIBA report also suggests that more needs to be done to support and enable a greater number of serviced plots coming to market.
Andrew Baddeley-Chappell, CEO of NaCSBA said: “NaCSBA thanks Sir Oliver for the work that he has undertaken.
“NaCSBA believes that the primary reason for low build-out rates on large sites is that the properties that are being delivered are not what many are looking for.
“In contrast, we strongly believe that the Custom and Self-build sector can deliver more and better homes, that more people aspire to live in and that communities are happier to see built.
“Research shows that most developed countries operate a broad balance between owner-commissioned homes and those built by speculative builders.
“As such, the UK is very much an outlier in this market. Although this is slowly changing, the planning system and land supply market in the UK is stacked in favour of larger developers and larger schemes.
“Therefore, the focus of this report on building diversity – including homes for Custom and Self-build – is exactly what is required, and not just on the largest sites, either.
“As Sir Oliver has noted, the need for diversity of supply is fully consistent with the new National Planning Policy Framework. NaCSBA shares his view that action is required to ensure that policy flows through into actually housing delivery, including meeting obligations under the Right to Build.
“NaCSBA is also very clear that homes commissioned by their occupants are not only for conventional home ownership, but that all sectors can benefit all, such as affordable housing including homes for social rent.”
The Letwin Review is an important part of making Custom and Self-build a mainstream choice on mainstream sites.
The review reminds the Government that it can, and should do more to create a level playing field.
The NaCSBA has said it looks forward to the Government’s response to the report in February 2019.
NaCSBA strongly encourages members of the public interested in building their own home to register for their Right to Build by visiting NaCSBA’s www.righttobuildportal.org.
