Self and custom build houses

Self-build and Custom Housebuilding Register

The Government wants to enable more people to build or commission the development of their own home.

From 1 April 2016, we have had to set up local registers of people looking to buy plots of land to commission or build their own homes. We refer to this register when carrying out our planning, housing, land disposal and regeneration functions.

What is self and custom build?

Self-build usually means you are directly involved in organising the design and construction of your new home.

Custom build usually means working with a specialist developer to help you deliver your home.

There may be some overlap between the two - for example, some custom build developers offer the option of a serviced plot where you can design and build your own home as part of a larger scheme.

If you are looking to promote a possible site for self or custom-build, please email selfbuild@pendle.gov.uk. We can help to share details with the people on our register. The site will need to be acceptable in planning terms and will need planning permission.

What are the advantages?

These homes are designed to meet your specific needs and requirements. They allow you to specify the design, layout, structure, energy performance and finish of your home exactly how you want them. They can often be cheaper, greener and more affordable than standard market housing.

How much does it cost?

On the 1 July 2024, we introduced a fee of £100 to join the Self and Custom Build Register. We also introduced an annual fee of £100 thereafter for applicants to stay on the register for up to 3 years. The maximum fee to be paid would be £300, however, applicants will be permitted to stay on the register beyond three years, after £300 has been paid.

Payment will be taken when registering.

Register your interest

If you're keen to build your own home, please fill in our Self and Custom Build Register. This will help us to understand:

• The level of interest in self/custom build
• The types of houses people would like to build
• Preferred locations 

We'll then use this information to look at ways it might be possible for people and plots to be brought together. If you register, please bear in mind that this doesn't guarantee that a suitable plot will be identified.

Eligibility criteria

You must be:

• Aged 18 or older
• A British citizen, national of an EEA State (European Economic Area) or national of Switzerland
• Seeking land that will be your sole or main residence
• Have a local connection to Pendle
• Have the financial resources to self build

What happens next?

Once you've completed the form, we'll check that you meet our eligibility criteria and send you an email to confirm that you've been entered onto the register.

If any sites/plots become available that meet your requirements, we'll let you know.

We will not pass personally identifiable information from the register to anyone outside the Council, other than those who process information on our behalf, without your written consent.

Amending or removing entries on the register

If you want to amend or remove yourself from the register, email selfbuild@pendle.gov.uk

Further information

Other useful sources of information on building your own home are on our self build further information page.

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