19 November 2015
More than 100 opportunities for people to build their own homes have been proposed for land in East Hampshire.
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The Petersfield Neighbourhood Plan, which sets out how the town’s housing might evolve before 2028, has earmarked two sites which could yield as many as 112 plots for self or custom build homes. The first, to the west of Buckmore Avenue, could see 101 homes built – a mixture of flats, terraces, semi-detached and detached houses. Business facilities and large open spaces are also planned.
A further 11 homes are proposed for a second site, to the north of Reservoir Lane, and these are likely to be detached dwellings on larger plots.
Planning permission for one of the homes would only be granted for self builders who prove that they have a local connection – this includes people who have lived or worked in the town for a year or more. The self builders would also need to live in the home as their main residence and complete construction within two years.
The plan – developed over three years by local residents, Petersfield Town Council, East Hampshire District Council and the South Downs National Park Authority – suggests that the homes could also be delivered by a custom build developer, and might even be realised through people building a cohousing community together.
Under the Localism Act 2011, Neighbourhood Plans give local authorities and residents a major say in shaping development in their area and allows them to decide where development should go.
The Petersfield Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group claims that over 40 local people have expressed in interest in self build via a register on its website – and believes that there are many more who have not yet been reached.
Local residents vote today in a referendum on whether the Neighbourhood Plan should get the green light.
