The first self-build scheme in the UK to be called in by the planning inspectorate has been granted consent.
An independent planning inspector overturned Uttlesford district council’s decision in May 2014 to refuse St Edmunds Lane Partnership’s application for a custom-build residential development of 22 homes on greenfield land in Essex.
The inspector found that the sustainability benefits outweighed other considerations, including the loss of countryside.
In this instance the developer, St Edmunds Lane Partnership, was applying for outline consent for the 22-home scheme. The individual home owners will then seek planning permission to build their own homes on the site.
Ian Anderson, executive director at planning consultancy Iceni Projects, said: “At a time when the UK is seemingly unable to deliver the large numbers of homes required to house our population, it must be a national priority to widen opportunities for home ownership.
“Self-build schemes like this one represent a sustainable and low-cost contribution to housing output, in line with the government’s localism agenda.”
