Custom and self-build register

We keep a register to find out what the demand is for self-build or custom-build plots in the area. We will use the information to support negotiation with developers for self-build provision on larger housing sites and to guide future policy making.

Signing up to the register does not guarantee that a suitable plot will be identified or made available to you. We do not offer assistance to individual self or custom housebuilders to identify or secure plots.

Eligibility for joining the register

In order to join the register you must meet the basic eligibility criteria set by central government and be:

Over 18

A British citizen, a national of an EEA State other than the United Kingdom, or a national of Switzerland
Seeking (either alone or with others) to acquire a serviced plot of land in the South Oxfordshire or Vale of White Horse District to build a house to occupy as your sole or main residence.

Part 1 – People or groups of individuals who meet the local connection test.

To be eligible to go on to the main part of the register (Part 1) you must also meet one of the following local connection tests:

Have had your only, or principal home in South Oxfordshire for a continuous period of not less than three years immediately before applying to join the register.

Have been permanently employed in South Oxfordshire for a continuous period of not less than 1 year immediately prior to applying to join the register.

Have family members (only including parent, adult child, brother or sister) who live in South Oxfordshire and have done so for a continuous period of not less than three years prior to applying to join the register.

Have previously had their only or principal home in South Oxfordshire for a continuous period of five years.

Exemptions

Members of the armed forces automatically meet the local connection test. Those who have previously served will also satisfy the connection test for up to three years after leaving the service.

For associations applying to join the register, each household within the association must meet the above criteria for the association to qualify.

For associations applying to join the register each individual household in the association will need to meet the above criteria, for the association to qualify.

We will request evidence to demonstrate that you meet the criteria.

We are only required to grant sufficient planning permissions for serviced plots to meet the demand from this part of the register.

Part 2 – Individuals or associations who meet the basic eligibility criteria but do not meet the local connection test.

This part of the register keeps track of general demand for self-build and custom-build and will inform planning policy and our overall approach to self-build and custom housebuilding. There is no requirement for us to grant sufficient development permissions for serviced plots of land to meet this demand.

Fees to join the register

For Part 1 of the register there is a fee of £5. For associations joining each individual household will need to pay £5. Please note than it is an annual fee, and you will need to pay £5.00 to remain on the register every year.

For Part 2 of the register the fee is £5. Same as above apply to remain on the register.

What happens to your information?

The register will provide an indication of the demand for self-build and custom housebuilding in South Oxfordshire and will help us inform the development of planning and housing policy.

The register will not be a public document, but headline information will be published annually in monitoring reports, for example, the number of plots and types of houses required.

We will not pass identifiable information from the register onto anyone outside the council without the written consent of the person who registered their details. If you would like to know more about how we use your personal information, please read our self-build privacy notice.

Requests to be removed from the register

To request removal from the website, please email, please email selfandcustombuild@southandvale.gov.uk We are required to remove your details from the register within 28 days upon receiving a written notification to do so from either an individual or the lead contact of an association