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Register your interest in Custom Self Build

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Register your interest in Custom Self Build

To register your interest in Custom Self Build, please complete the DNPA Custom Self-Build Register online survey.

If more than 4 people (in addition to the applicant) will be living in or would like to build a new self-build property, please download and use the Dartmoor Custom Self-Build Register - extra sheet to fill in their details and submit this form separately to forwardplanning@dartmoor.gov.uk supplementary to completing the online survey.

To complete the DNPA Custom Self-Build Register online survey the following information will be beneficial:

  • The maximum budget for your finished home
  • Your household's annual income
  • Information regarding your local connection to the parish you wish to build
  • If applicable: your Devon Home Choice Band and Reference Number
  • Information regarding your savings, assets and investments

If you do not complete the declaration at the end of the survey we will not be able to accept your application and your name will not be added onto the register.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Custom Self-Build Register?

Since 2015 Local Authorities have had a statutory obligation to maintain a Custom Self-Build Register - Self-build and Custom Housebuilding Act 2015 (as amended by the Housing and Planning Act 2016).

The Custom Self-Build Register is a register of the number of individuals and associations of individuals who are seeking to acquire serviced plots of land in the local authority area for self and custom housebuilding.

The Custom Self-Build Register is intended to give a general indication of local demand and there is no requirement to match permissioned land to individuals on the register.

How do I apply to the Register?

Please complete the DNPA Custom Self-Build Register online survey to join the register. Please note the above information will help you complete this form.

In accordance with the Regulations our register is divided into two parts. There is a local connection test for inclusion on Part 1, but anyone who meets the national criteria will be included on Part 2.

An individual is eligible for entry in Part 2 of the register if they are:

  • Aged 18 or older;
  • A British citizen, a national of a EEA State other than the United Kingdom, or a national of Switzerland; and
  • Seeking (either alone or with others) to acquire a serviced plot of land on which to build a house to occupy as your sole or main residence

In Dartmoor National Park there is a focus on providing affordable housing for local people. Most opportunities for custom and self-build housing require that you have a long term connection with the Parish in which you want to build. This is because we look to meet the needs of a community within that community. An individual is eligible for entry in Part 1 of the register if they meet all of the national criteria and have a local connection to the area they wish to build. 'Local' is defined in our local plan and is summarised as follows:

  • those people currently living in the National Park and having done so for at least 5 years; or
  • those people who have lived in the National Park for at least 5 years, but moved away within the last 5 years; or
  • those people who are currently employed within the National Park, working for not less than 16 hours per week, and having done so for at least 26 weeks out of the preceding year; or
  • those people who have a strong local connection with the National Park, for reasons other than those detailed above? If yes, please specify and give full details of the nature of the connection. Common examples include strong family connections, upbringing, or employment.

For the purpose of this register the following is also considered:

  • any person in the service of the regular armed forces of the Crown is deemed to satisfy the test whilst in service and for a period after leaving the service equal to the length of the longest of any periods required by the test for a condition to be satisfied.

Can I appeal if I'm not considered eligible for the Register?

Judgements on eligibility to join the register must be based on the information provided and considered against the definition above. If you do feel you have been assessed incorrectly, please contact DNPA.

What happens once I'm on the Register?

DNPA will be able to consider the number and type of households on the Register as evidence around the interest in self-build. This may influence future policy, which is currently being looked at as part of the Local Plan Review.

How do I remove myself from the Register?

We will remove an entry from the register within 28 days of receiving a written request from the individual or association representing that individual. We will remove an entry from the register if we consider that they are no longer eligible for entry on the register and will notify them in writing.

What is affordable self-build?

Self-build can be a good way to provide your own affordable home as 'sweat equity' hours in its construction and removing the cost of developer profit can save money, making it potentially more achievable for families who would otherwise be unable to buy their own home.  In the long term a section 106 legal agreement can be used to restrict the sale or rental value of the house, and restrict its occupancy those who

  • are in need of affordable housing
  • are unable to afford market prices, and
  • have an appropriate local connection to the area.

This approach is set out in DNPA's Local Plan.

How do I submit my land?

If you have a piece of land in mind for your project, or are a local landowner with a piece of land you believe may be suitable for self-build, you can use our Planning Advice service to test its suitability.

Data protection

This information is collected by Dartmoor National Park Authority (DNPA) as data controller in accordance with the data protection principles in the Data Protection Act 1998. DNPA are collecting data to assess suitability of applications for the Right to Build Register of Interest. Information will be securely stored by DNPA and may be shared with Housing Authorities for the purpose of their housing functions but will not be shared with any other parties.