Self Build and Custom Housebuilding Proposed Changes

Fee Charge

A standard fee is payable for entry on either part of the Register for the year or part of the year to the following 31st October.  In relation to applications from Associations, the standard fee is payable for each member of the association.

A renewal fee is further payable for each subsequent year that an entry remains on either part of the Register.   This is due on 31st October irrespective of the date an applicant initially joined the Register. New applicants to enter the Register part way through the ‘Base Year’ will be advised that the fee only covers the period to the next 31 October and that subsequently a renewal payment will be due to remain on the Register.

The fee is subject to annual review as part of the Council’s Fees and Charges setting process.

Part 1 - Local Eligibility Criteria

Applicants wishing to be entered on Part 1 of the Register will need to evidence that they satisfy the Local Eligibility requirements below.

Local Connection

Applicants (including all individuals applying as an Association of individuals) will need to meet one of the following criteria to be considered as having a ‘local connection’ for the purposes of the Self Build and Custom housebuilding Register.  Applicants must be able to evidence their ‘local connection’.

1. Currently living in Ribble Valley for a minimum of 3 consecutive years as your only or primary place of residence.
2. Previously lived in Ribble Valley for a period of five consecutive years within the past 10 years as your only or primary place of residence.
3. Currently permanently employed in the Borough for a minimum of 12 consecutive months.  You must be employed for a minimum of 18 hours per week paid.  A local connection through employment is not established in situations where the work is unpaid, voluntary or on a temporary contract for less than 5 years.
4. Currently self-employed in Ribble Valley and have been for a minimum of 12 consecutive months.  You must demonstrate work for a minimum of 18 hours and a viable business.
5. Has a next of kin who is currently living in the Borough and who has done so continually for a minimum of five years as their sole or primary place of residence. Next of kin for the purposes of this clause is defined as parent, adult son/daughter or sibling.  The family connection must be established by the applicant.
6. Has been a former resident of the Borough (who has previously lived in the Borough for a period of five consecutive years in the last 10 years), who has moved away because of inability to access housing including affordable housing, or to complete tertiary education. 

Any person currently serving in the regular armed forces of the Crown (within the meaning of Section 374 of the Armed Forces Act 2006) is deemed to satisfy the above ‘local connection’ requirement and for a period after leaving service of 5 years.

Evidence for a local connection may include but is not limited to copies of:

• Council Tax bills addressed to the applicant
• household utility bills addressed to the applicant
• pay slips or employment contract
• name and address of the family member and their Council Tax or utilities bills
• armed forces identification (ID) card
• veteran ID card or discharge papers

All evidence submitted will be destroyed once local connection is verified.  Please do not sent originals.