NEWS
New tech platform launched to boost self-build numbers
A new self-build tech platform, MyPlot, has launched with the aim of increasing the numbers of self-built homes in the UK. Currently self-build accounts for just 7-10 per cent of new housing in the UK – around 12,000 homes per year. However, ‘The Self Build Housing Market Report Analysis 2016-2020’ revealed that self- build rates are as high as 83 per cent in countries such as Austria, Belgium, Italy and Sweden. MyPlot has been launched to support the Government’s target of increasing the number
of annual self-build completions to 20,000. The website will be a ‘one stop shop’ for self-builders – sourcing a plot and finding an architect can be done via the one platform. Architects with expertise in self-build can submit profiles to be listed within the directory. Director of the new site Paul Smith commented: “In Europe, it’s much more straightforward to source a plot off plan, and the planning system is less onerous – there’s also more support for those embarking on the process, which we just don’t have here in the UK. With MyPlot, we’ve looked at the issues and offered a solution, filling the gaps and removing the complexity by providing a directory of self-build experts on the one single platform.” He continued: “For those building their own home it’s a complex process so it’s really important to appoint the right person for the job. The suppliers directory removed a large chunk of the uncertainty and gives self-builds confidence that their home is in safe hands. We’re aware there’s a job to do in terms of normalising self-build. It’s something that usually conjures images of affluent middle-aged people building swanky new bolt holes or Grand Designs-style project that are over-budget and behind schedule. In reality, self-build is much more attainable.”
PROPERTY OWNERS URGED TO ACT OVER SEPTIC TANK CHANGES
Property owners have been urged to keep close tabs on changes to septic tank regulations to avoid breaking the law. Homeowners with septic tanks that discharge directly into any type
of watercourse will need to replace or upgrade their drainage either when they sell their property or before 1 January 2020, whichever is sooner. Land agents and chartered surveyors Vickers & Barrass are alerting
self-builders to the fact that they are responsible for the choice, installation and maintenance of their wastewater system, under the provisions of a new code of practice which has been introduced by the Environment Agency. “They have a legal responsibility to minimise the impact of their sewage waster if they manage it within the bounds of their property,” said the firm. All septic tanks that currently discharge into watercourses will have
to either be replaced using a sewage treatment plant with full BS EN 12566-3 Certification, or the discharge to the watercourse stopped and diverted to a drain field, designed and constructed to the current British Standard BS6297 2007. The new code of practice has been introduced with the aim of
addressing concerns that wastewater could be polluting local watercourses. David Coulson, senior surveyor as Vickers & Barrass said: “If someone opts to install a new drainage field, it must be a
minimum of 10 metres from a watercourse, 50 metres from a water abstraction point, and 15 metres from a building. If it’s going to be in or near a designated sensitive area, a permit from the Environment Agency will be required.” If replacing a septic tank with a sewage treatment plant the system can still be discharged into a watercourse, as it produces a non-polluting effluent.
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www.sbhonline.co.uk july/august 2019
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