Self & Custom Build Register

The Self-Build and Custom Housebuilding Act 2015 requires us to keep a register of individuals or groups who are seeking serviced plots of land in the borough to build their own homes.

The council keeps an up-to-date register of these individuals to determine the demand for plots from those interested in undertaking self-build and custom build housing projects.

Things to consider before joining the register

• The scheme is limited by the land that becomes available so we cannot guarantee when or even if a suitable plot of land will be offered
• Plots of land that become available will be matched to your requirements as closely as possible
• Most plots that become available will have services (electricity, gas, sewerage, roads, etc.) supplied up to the boundary 
• Plots will be available at market value
• Self and custom build projects will be subject to the same planning requirements and obligations as standard planning applications

Are you eligible to join the register?

To apply to be on the self and custom housebuilding register, you must meet all of the following eligibility criteria. There is also a fee of £30 to pay.

Each individual applicant and every member of an association of individuals that applies for entry on the register must be:

• Aged 18 or older
• A British citizen, a national of an EEA State other than the United Kingdom, or a national of Switzerland
• Seeking (either alone or with others) to acquire a serviced plot of land within the Ashford borough to build a house that will then be their sole, or main, residence

When applying to be entered on the register, individuals who wish to register as a constituted association must appoint a member or officer to act as the lead contact for the purposes of all correspondence between the association and the council.

In determining whether you are eligible for entry on the register, we are entitled, but not required, to rely on information you provide as part of the application process.

Register your interest for a self or custom house build project.

How to pay and annual renewal

From 31 October 2017, a fee of £30 was introduced for first time applications. The £30 introduction fee includes registration onto the register and the rest of the base year (until 30 October).

Payment can be made by debit/credit card on our website under Self-Build Application fee.

In October of each year, we will ask if you would like to remain on the register. If you fail to pay the renewal fee, you will be removed from the register. Applicants will be required to re-register every 12 months to ensure their information is up-to-date. Letters will be sent to all entrants in October, and the renewal fee for the year 2024-25 is £15.

How we use information from the register

By signing up and registering your interest, you will help us find out more about the demand for self-build and custom build plots in the Ashford borough, where people would like their plot to be and the type of house that they would like to build.

The information will be used to explore ways in which it might be possible for people and plots to be brought together. Registration does not, however, guarantee that a suitable plot will be identified, or become available.

Although we are required to have regard for the register when carrying out our planning and housing function, this is not indefinite. Any applicant consistently refusing offers of suitable plots will be removed from the register.

The legal bit....

Ashford Borough Council (ABC) is the data controller for the personal information you provide. ABC's Data Protection Officer can be contacted at FOI@ashford.gov.uk. Your information will be used to assist in the compilation of the Self Build Register and processing is being conducted relying upon a contract basis. Your personal data will not be published or shared with third parties. Your information will be retained for as long as the contract is maintained. For more information on your rights please see the council's privacy statement.

Monitoring information