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FROM THE EDITOR...
The obligation for local authorities to keep a Right to Build register was introduced nearly 10 years ago, requiring all councils to maintain a register of those interested in building their own home. They’re also obliged to provide a suffi cient number of serviced plots to meet local demand, according to the register.
Unfortunately, the last decade hasn’t seen a huge surge in the number of self- and custom-build projects, but rather a concerning number of reports on local authorities failing to meet obligations and creating unnecessary obstacles. The Government recently released its Right to Build registers monitoring data for the year to October 2024, and sadly it makes for pretty negative viewing.
Financial viability tests and registration charges are the main obstacles being unjustifi ably imposed by councils. As reported by aCSBA, the number charging a registration fee has risen to 23% – double the number charging a fee in 2018. There has also been an increase in the number imposing fi nancial viability tests, from 8% to 13%.
It’s a shame to see both self- and custom-build not being supported at a local level in the way it should. With self-builds often built to a higher standard, in terms of construction, sustainability and aesthetics, the lack of support from local authorities is disappointing and confusing.
The type of home that can be achieved via self-build is showcased in Eve ennehy’s case study on page . Architect ohn-Barry Lowe’s ublin home – the result of a lifelong dream to design and build his own house – has been built to Passive House standards, inspired by a ‘house of the future’ design project he undertook in the 1990s.
Also in this issue we feature Sarah and on Simpkin’s build which demonstrates how self-builds can work even in the most complex of areas. Backing on to a Scheduled Monument and situated just outside a conservation village, their plans had to be approved not only by their local authority but also a conservation offi cer and nglish eritage. ou can read more about it on page 24.
ROSEANNE FIELD NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2025 Let there be light
Jon and Sarah’s home maximises on its enviable views with an extensive use of glass
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Covers.indd 1 19/11/2025 09:42 Heating up
Percy Doughty explore how fi replaces can create the perfect ambience during the colder months
Blending old and new
ON THE COVER... © DOM JONES (PAGE 24)
Jason and Rachel’s project perfectly blends contemporary with traditional
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