How first-hand experience of custom build can help local authorities to turn policy into homes

LIVEDIN Custom Build is an enabler operating in the owner-commissioned homes market, and a NaCSBA - National Custom and Self Build Association member. Tom Howard of LIVEDIN gave us his insight into the impact the Right to Build Task Force's ongoing study visits to Graven Hill Village Development Company Limited can have for LPA planners.

“As a company at the forefront of custom homes, LIVEDIN is familiar with the inspirational work taking place at Graven Hill – a vibrant, local-authority-originated scheme that allows more people to custom and self build, interspersed with market-led and affordable homes.

“And at LIVEDIN, we fully endorse the Right to Build Task Force and its remit to support local authorities by sharing best practice in policy activity, through both free and paid for support. Currently the Task Force is running professional tours to Graven Hill – very much with local authority planners, housing professionals and members in mind.

It's been fantastic seeing so many self-build officers getting out and experiencing the Task Force’s tours of the site, and seeing the homes and processes first hand.

Having spoken to some local authority planners who’ve been in attendance, the feedback says it all, as the experience of seeing self build in practice, rather than dry theory, has dramatically helped deepen understanding of how sites may be delivered, and what matters on the ground.

As is so often the case it's the opportunity to see and experience something from another's perspective that helps collective progress.

The self build industry has so many different participants, from policy makers, self build officers, landowners, enablers, designers, lenders, self-builders, tradespeople – all with their role to play. And education is key if the sector is to make the step change in growth that has been dreamed of, and that government supports.

To do this, these housing professionals need a lot more of this sort of 'stepping out of the silo' experience, to help get more connected with the range of housing models that are out there.?

A recurring theme in opposition to local housing is the scale of cookie-cutter homes sites, that sprawl on the edge of settlements. Custom build offers a chance to breathe life and energy into placemaking, to complement - and not replace – wider housing provision, and there should be room to build in this diversity.

And showcasing some of these developments is vital step in creating change, such as with our own scheme at Ingoldisthorpe, Norfolk (pictured).

When the Task Force supports local authorities with tailored work, one of the elements it typically includes is a list of enablers and developers with experience of custom build and multi-plot sites, to help local authorities with the transition from policy to practice. Not every authority will be bringing on projects, but knowing experienced operatives can be extremely helpful.

At LIVEDIN we’re proud to be on this list, and you can find out more about our work by contacting [email protected]. Or visit the www.righttobuild.org.uk to find out more about the Task Force, including to access its free suite of planning guidance and how authorities can get tailored support.?

Find out about the Task Force's Graven Hill visits.