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28th January 2021
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Self-build site insurance provider welcomes Government's self-build sector boost
Site insurance provider Self-Build Zone has today welcomed the Government's recent policy announcement that it is to cut red tape and boost demand in the UK self-build sector.
Housing Minister Grant Shapps called on the country's aspiring self-builders to make a housebuilding revolution their New Year's resolution. Self-builders are already Britain's largest housebuilder and account for one-fifth of Britain's new homes each year, but for far too long the aspirations of ordinary people to build their own home have been thwarted by barriers and red tape. The Government says that barriers which stand in people's way will be torn down - including a complex and bureaucratic planning system, regulatory burdens, and lack of access to land and finance.
A new Community Right to Build will offer communities the chance to give the green light to new developments without the need for specific planning applications. This could be local people working alone to build their own homes, or entire communities coming together to build the homes the area needs.
The self-build sector is already important to growth and housing supply - with self-builders completing as many as 10,000 building projects each year - so making it easier for more people to build their own home will provide a welcome boost to the housing market.
Grant Shapps has asked the National Self Build Association to work with his officials to develop an action plan to boost the number of self-builders across the country - and address the common barriers aspiring self-builders face, including:
• availability of land - including making public sector land available for house building
• availability of finance - working with lenders to ensure self-building communities can get the finance they need
• availability of expert support - how self-builders can support communities looking to build the homes they need, and how those new to self-building can be supported.
Self-Build Zone is a leading provider of site insurance, the 10 year structural warranty, buildings insurance, technical audits, building control services, health & safety to the self build marketplace. Its Director Simon Middleton says:
"This is really is a positive step forward for anyone who has dreamed of building their own home but has had their hopes dashed through a complex planning system and lack of land in their community."
Simon will be guest speaking at the Lending Policy Meets Housebuilding Reality Conference in March, where he will deliver a warranty providers view of Modern Methods of Construction and Eco Building.
T: +44 (0)845 230 9873
14th January 2011