Self build and custom build register

What is 'self-' and 'custom-build'?

'Self build' and 'custom build' is when you design, plan and / or build your own home. 'Self build' usually means that you are directly involved in organising the design and construction of your new home.  This can be done on an individual or group basis. 'Custom build' usually means working with a specialist developer to help you deliver your home. There may be some overlap between the two.

The Self and Custom Build Register

The government wants to enable more people to build or commission their own home. It requires local authorities to keep a register of people who want to self- or custom- build.  They must also grant planning permission for the same number of serviced plots of land for self and custom builders as there are people on their Register within three to four years of the people joining the Register.

However, it is important to note that the plots granted permission or 'delivered' may not be the same plots that people on the Register have requested, and might not be occupied by the same people.  So joining the Register does not necessarily guarantee you getting a suitable plot of land to build upon, but it does give the Council more evidence that there is demand for self-build plots. We can use this to justify more positive policies on self- and custom-build in our next Local Plan.

How to register

To register, please read the WLBC Corporate Privacy Notice and complete the form below:

Please note:

  • Completed forms should be emailed to localplan@westlancs.gov.uk
  • There is a £50 fee which pays for inclusion on the register for 4 years

What happens next?

We will try to determine your application for entry onto the register within 14 days of receipt and will advise you of one of three outcomes:   

  • If you meet all the required criteria, you will be placed on Part 1 of the Register.
  • If you meet all except the local connections test criteria you will be placed on Part 2 of the Register.
  • If you do not meet the criteria regarding financial resources to undertake a self or custom build project you will be informed that you have not been placed on the Register but will be given the option to be kept informed of any land which the Council makes available for sale outside the self build process.

Please note that whilst the Council will endeavour to provide or facilitate plots of land or sites for self- and custom build housing, it is not obliged to provide such plots in the areas desired by people on the Register.  (In any case, the Council may not own land it can dispose of in such areas.)

More information

Further information on self build housing is available from the following bodies:

For information from the Borough Council, please email localplan@westlancs.gov.uk.