COTSWOLD District Council will be introducing new criteria and fees for its self and custom-build register from November 1.

New applications for the register that meet set criteria relating to local connection and financial viability, as well as existing legislative criteria, will be charged an entry fee of £75, classified as part 1 criteria.

People who do not meet the part 1 criteria, but do still meet existing legislative criteria, will be classed as part 2 and they will pay an entry fee of £25.

When providing sufficient planning consents for serviced plots to meet demand for self and custom build projects, it will only be necessary for the council to consider part 1 applications.

However, CDC would still need to look at part 2 applications when carrying out planning and other functions.

Existing entrants on the council’s self and custom-build register will be automatically included under part 1 criteria.

Cllr Mark MacKenzie-Charrington, CDC cabinet member for planning, said: “These changes are in line with the Self-build and Custom Housebuilding Regulations 2016 which enable local authorities to determine locally set criteria for new entrants onto the register.

“Given the high demand for housing land, it’s sensible to limit entry to part 1 of the register to those who can prove a sufficient connection with the local authority area and also demonstrate that they have sufficient resources to purchase a plot in the district on the open market for their self-build projects.”

The register in the Cotswolds creates opportunities for local residents who wanted to get involved in the design and construction of their own homes.

For further details visit www.cotswold.gov.uk//residents/housing/self-build-housing/