The principle of the Local Plan Review including a policy to promote custom and self-build plots is supported by Richborough Estates Limited and Option 1 is to be preferred.

There are genuine issues associated with providing custom and self-build plots as part of larger schemes as suggested under Option 2. It is not particularly practicable or feasible to have isolated plots or small groups of plots within a large housing scheme which are not directly under the control of the house builder or main contractor because of tight health and safety requirements. Ensuring that these requirements are met by individuals building their own homes (or small local builders) would be an onerous burden on the house builder/main contractor. There would also be a higher cost for the individuals or local builders complying with the more stringent health and safety requirements associated with a large housing site.

Secondly, the inclusion of custom or self-build plots would affect viability because it is difficult to place a value on the land and when any payment might be received. This may be capable of being addressed via cautious viability appraisals but probably at the expense of affordable homes. Including custom or self-build plots as part of the affordable housing provision might be a means of addressing this issue.

The final point is the current requirement for up-to 50% affordable homes and 5% custom or self-build plots directly impacts on the desirability and viability of only 45% of the dwellings on a site being capable of being sold as market homes. There would be a potential impact of some housing sites being delivered because they would not have the critical mass of market housing to be attractive to a house builder. Further, sight should not be lost that it is the market housing which generates the financial returns to the land owner and is the key to the viability of a scheme.

The Council may also wish to explore the experiences of other authorities. The delivery of custom or self-build homes is not being frustrated by the lack of plots but the lack of finance available from lending institutions to fund such projects. Further, the type of plot which are typically provided on larger schemes will be the same as those of the surrounding homes. Such plots are not conducive to those who aspire to a 'grand design' style of project.

For all these reasons, Option 1 must be preferred as the delivery mechanism for custom and self-build homes.