Comment

Representation ID: 23027

Received: 13/03/2020

Respondent: Bidwells

Comments.
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.

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.

In addition, consideration needs to be given to local need within a specific area. For example, on sites in Key Service Centres, such as that covered by Policy GNLP0520, this would result in provision of approximately 10 self and custom build units. This may be substantially more than the local need.

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. For example, the demand for self / custom build units may be for stand alone or small development opportunities, not the large estate style developments that would be required to deliver self / custom build units under the policy.