04.04.19
Discover the benefits of custom and self-build homes with the Right to Build Task Force learning visit
Housing supply growth has been at the top of the political agenda – bar Brexit – for the last few years now, and has been a key domestic policy of the Conservative government.
But custom and self-build homes, in the words of Lord Porter the chair of the LGA, “will become increasingly important” and offer an innovative way of meeting the rising demand for housing.
As such, The Right to Build Task Force is offering the opportunity for public sector and community groups to join them on a visit to some of Europe’s most successful custom and self-build sites in the Netherlands.
The visit has been curated to provide those working in housing, planning or development with the tools to kick-start the delivery of successful custom and self-build projects here in the UK, with sites in Amsterdam, Almere, The Hague, Delft, and Nieuw Leiden on show.
The two-day trip will be guided by Dutch Self Build Expert team members and will include opportunities to question experienced professionals in the sector as well as share ideas and network with peers.
David Cowan, community housing project manager for Surrey Community Action, described last year’s trip as “inspiring,” adding: “Great to see proof of self and custom-build working at a large scale.
“The Dutch were really welcoming and explained clearly how the schemes had been achieved. Very helpful to meet others from across the UK who are working to facilitate self-build.”
With local authorities now required to keep a register of demand for anyone interested in securing land for an owner-commissioned home under The Self Build and Custom Housebuilding Act 2015, as well as the requirement to grant sufficient development permissions to reflect this demand within three years under The Housing and Planning Act 2016, this is an essential opportunity to understand how urban custom and self-build housing can be delivered.
“Fantastic trip – expertly led with a good range of inspiring projects explained by the people behind them,” said Chris Carthy, project manager at Local Agenda, about last year’s trip.
Find out more or book a place on the visit here. Tickets are available for £395 excluding flights and accommodation, with discounted rates available for the public sector, NaCSBA members and community housing groups.
Top image: Custom Build Homes Netherlands