Need to know
Self-builders are still losing out to the big developers
I’ve always been a supporter of localism as a way to promote custom and self-build (CSB). One of the main objections people have to the 10 big firms who construct most of our new housing is that they seem to be able to parachute huge developments into rural areas, seemingly with impunity. Councils have their own housing targets to meet, and these companies are happy to factor in Section 106 planning fees into their budgets. It pays councils to let them do so – regardless of the howls of protest from those objecting to development on such a scale. The incremental creation of new homes through CSB is far less controversial, delivering better quality, more efficient and aesthetically-pleasing dwellings.