Self-build register
Self–build housing
Self-build housing is where an individual (whether acting alone or with other individuals) commissions or is personally involved in the design and construction of a dwelling that is intended to be the individual’s main residence once it is built.
You can project manage your build with sub-contractors or use one contractor for a turnkey solution. This does not mean you have to do all the physical work yourself, it's your choice
Local Development Planning Guidance (Scottish Government, 2023) clarifies the sub-types of self build:
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Self-build housing |
Where a person builds their own house or appoints their own builder |
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Custom-build housing |
Where a person tasks a house builder to tailor a home to their preferences before it is built |
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Collective self-build |
Where a group get together to build their homes. This provides the opportunity for friends and people, to work together – sharing costs and building relationships as they build their houses. |
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Co-Housing |
An intentional, mutually-supportive community with shared communal space. It involves people coming together to build a neighbourhood that embodies particular values |
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Self-provided housing |
includes self-build housing, custom-build housing and collective build housing |
The Planning (Scotland) Act 2019 (Section 16E) requires Local Planning Authorities to prepare and publish a list of people seeking land for self-build housing in their area.
Understanding the demand for self-provided housing is important for both the Council’s plan-making and decision-taking. This list of people with a registered interest in acquiring land in the Council’s area for self-build housing, will be monitored alongside broader housing market data and help to inform policies and proposals in the Local Development Plan.
By signing up, you will help us find out more about the demand for self-build plots in East Lothian, where people would like their plot to be and the type of house that they would like to build. We will use the information to explore ways in which it might be possible for people and plots to be brought together. Registration does not however guarantee that a suitable plot will be identified, or become available for you.
If you are seeking land for self-build housing in East Lothian, and would like to register for the Self-build list, please complete the online self-build register form. In line with data protection, your personal details (apart from your name) will be removed before the list is published or updated online. Our Privacy Notice explains how we manage your personal data.
The current Self-Build Register is available to view and download.
To ensure the information is up to date, the list will be reviewed every 3 years, after which time the Council will contact you to check if you wish to remain on the list. Should you wish your details to be removed at any other point (i.e. you no longer require a self-build plot), please contact policyandprojects@eastlothian.gov.uk to request this.