5 August 2013
Any community-led projects that involve self build homes can apply for part of a £17 million fund to help get their ideas off the ground.
Housing Minister Mark Prisk said the money can be used by communities to help them with the cost of getting designs drawn up, or for securing planning permissions.
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Until now, the £17 million pot was earmarked solely to help Community Right to Build projects develop their proposals. A total of £14 million is available for communities outside London until March 2015. Separate funding arrangements are available for London, and are administered by the Greater London Authority.
Self builders will be able to benefit by joining forces with local people to design and gain approval for the home they want. This pot is in addition to the £30million Custom Build Fund to help people get projects off the ground.
Housing Minister Mark Prisk said: “From barn conversions to bungalows, anyone wanting to build new homes in their area should have the opportunity to do so. That’s why we’re opening the door to a £17 million support fund which will help people navigate the early stages of any project.
“Today’s cash will make it easier for aspiring self-builders and communities to get their projects off the ground, opening the door for hundreds of potential building projects across the country.”
Ted Stevens, Chair of the National Self Build Association, said: “The announcement today will be really welcome news to many community groups across England with aspirations to make their local area stronger and more resilient by developing much needed community-led homes or other assets.
“The community-led housing movement is ready to help Community Land Trusts, Cohousing groups, Housing Co-operatives and group self-builders get projects off the ground.”
More information is available on the HCA’s website.
