Norfolk MP calls for self-build revolution to fix ‘broken’ housing system
A Norfolk MP will today call for a revolution in people building their own homes – in order to fix a housing system which he says is broken.
Plots of land should be sold to groups or individuals on which they can self-build or custom-build their own homes, says South Norfolk MP Richard Bacon.
They could within a three-year limit be by building it themselves or getting a small, local builder to construct it to their specifications.
He said: “You can build a house for something between £80,000 and £160,000. It happens all the time.
“If we were building as many units of self-build and custom house building as they are in the Netherlands now, we would be creating 60,000 extra units a year on top of what is currently being delivered, which could make a significant difference.”
He said giving people the chance to decide what their homes should look like and getting communities involved in the process could also remove anti-development sentiment.
He said: “Under the current system, people are often resistant to development, despite the fact it’s their sons and daughters and grandchildren who need homes.
“That’s because they feel housing is something which is imposed on them, rather than something they help to shape. I’m trying to get to a place where we understand the difference between building boxes and building a great place to live.
“What has happened in our planning system is that it’s become all about the numbers. And people do not like being told x number of homes are going to be built where they live.
“We must have better, smarter, beautiful development that offers a wide range of real choices to consumers and is actively welcomed by existing communities, including the grandparents and parents who so often oppose development with arms folded saying, ‘We don’t want any houses in our area’.”
He has convened a conference called How Should Norfolk Grow? at the John Innes Centre today, where experts from all over the country will be speaking.
He has invited councillors and officers from Norfolk’s councils, planning consultants, architects, designers and construction companies to the conference.
PUBLISHED: 09:05 29 June 2017
dan.grimmer@archant.co.uk
@dangrimmer24