Building a property

What is this consultation about?

We are reforming our self-build register to ensure it accurately reflects demand for self-build and custom housebuilding opportunities in the borough.

We are introducing new requirements to make the register effective evidence for planning decisions, particularly in implementing Policy HOU6 of the Newcastle-under-Lyme Local Plan (2020-2040).

The proposed changes include:

• a local connection test - to ensure applicants have a genuine tie to the borough (through residency, employment, or family association)

• a self-declaration of financial capacity - to confirm applicants have the ability to purchase a serviced plot within 5 years

• a two-part register structure - part 1 for those meeting both tests; part 2 for others (a pathway to part 1 as circumstances change)

• registration fees - £42 initial application, £21 annual renewal (to cover administration costs)

This consultation is not a statutory process, but we value stakeholder feedback to ensure the new system is fair, practical, and effective.

What are we consulting on?

We are asking for your views on the proposed eligibility criteria, the two-part register structure, fees, and implementation approach.

We want to hear from:

• current members of the self-build register

• self-build and custom housebuilding organisations and advocates

• developers with self-build experience

• planning agents and professionals

• housing associations and partner organisations

• council stakeholders and elected members

Your feedback will help us refine the criteria before we implement the new system.

The consultation booklet

Download the consultation booklet below. It explains the proposals in detail, includes practical examples, and asks eight specific consultation questions.
  

Self-build register consultation booklet

How to respond

Email your response to: planningpolicy@newcastle-staffs.gov.uk

Please include:

• your name (required)

• your organisation/company (if applicable)

• your stakeholder type (e.g., developer, self-build advocate, council officer, etc.)

• your responses to the consultation questions (or those most relevant to you)

• your email address

• any additional comments or feedback

You can respond to all eight questions or focus on those most relevant to your interests.

Consultation period: 10 August to 25 September 2026

Deadline for responses: Friday 25 September 2026

What happens next?

After the consultation closes, we will:

• analyse responses - We will review feedback and identify key themes and concerns

• publish a summary - We will produce a consultation report explaining what you told us and how we have responded

• finalise the criteria - We will refine the eligibility criteria based on your feedback and develop implementation guidance

• announce the launch date - We will announce when the new register system will go live

You can sign up for updates on progress via the form in the consultation booklet or contact us to ask to be added to our mailing list.

Privacy and your data

When you respond to this consultation, your name and organisation may be attributed to your response in our summary report.

For information about how we collect, use, and protect your personal data, please see our Planning Policy privacy notice.

Questions?

Email: planningpolicy@newcastle-staffs.gov.uk

Phone: 01782 742467

Website: Planning Policy web pages 

For more information about self-build and custom housebuilding:

National Custom and Self Build Association (NaCSBA)

Right to Build Task Force

GOV.UK Guidance on Self-Build and Custom Housebuilding