The objective of providing self and custom build is generally supported. However, the proposed threshold (5% of plots on residential proposals of 40 dwellings or more) is questioned, given that it would result in the delivery of substantially more self build and custom build units than for which there is an identified need. For example on large strategic sites, such as that covered by Policy GNLP0337, this would result in provision of approximately 70 self and custom build units.
The majority of sites that are identified to meet the housing growth targets are likely to be in excess of 40 dwellings. If, as a very broad calculation, the threshold is applied to only the new allocations identified in the draft GNLP (7,840 homes), this would result in the provision of approximately 392 units self and custom build units. This is substantially more than the 113 people on the self and custom build register in the Greater Norwich Area (2018/19). The figure would substantially increase were the threshold applied to existing commitments which are yet to granted planning permission.
Therefore, the inclusion within the policy that the requirement for self and custom build units will be subject to evidence of need is supported. The policy should, in accordance with the PPG, recognises that as well as the self build / custom build register, additional data from secondary sources should be considered to better understand the demand for self and custom build plots.