21 November 2013
A self build scheme featuring 20 serviced plots could soon be realised on the Isle of Wight.
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An application for outline planning permission is about to be submitted for the scheme which will sit on a former industrial site off Saunders Way, East Cowes.
Each plot, which ranges in size from 108m2 to 162m2, is estimated to cost £75,000-£90,000 each. Self builders can take the plot and manage the design and construction process themselves. Alternatively, they can work with local developer Christopher Scott Ltd to build their own home using a suite of designs as a guide – from 1 ½ storey three-bed to 3 storey five-bed houses – subject to planning approval. End values for the homes are estimated at around £250,000.
Priority for the plots will be given to people living in the East Cowes postal district (PO32). After which, any outstanding plots will be offered to all residents on the Isle of Wight and then, eventually, the general public.
A set of rules and regulations for the scheme states that anybody who successfully purchases a plot must make a start on building their home within 12 months or the developer reserves the right to take the plot back and make a refund.
Once a start has been made, a significant amount of construction work must take place within the following 12 months or the developer can repossess the plot (for a refund including plot value and labour costs). The developer will then finish the house and sell it on the open market. These rules are being used to ensure all the homes get built within a reasonable time period.
The scheme has already received strong local support from parish councils and the public with 24 expressions of interest lodged so far.
Mark Rhodes, spokesperson for Christopher Scott, said: “The planners originally encouraged us to secure planning permission for ordinary housing and then sell the homes off. But we don’t want to do that.
“I hope that if this model works we’ll then see it repeated elsewhere. I also hope that more landowners will take this lead and set aside land for people to build their own home.”
Once outline planning permission is gained, the developer will then look to secure an organisation to deliver the infrastructure, including the roads and servicing. It is likely that construction could start on site by Easter 2014.
