Regeneration and Development Opportunities

Brownfield Register

The Government is committed to maximising the number of new homes built on suitable brownfield land and has set out its intention to ensure that 90% of suitable brownfield sites have planning permission for housing by 2020.

The Housing and Planning Act (May 2016) makes provision for local authorities to prepare, maintain and publish a register of brownfield land. The register should identify previously developed sites in the district that we have assessed as being suitable for housing.

The register should comprise a standard set of information, prescribed by the Government, that will be kept up-to-date, and made publicly available, to help provide certainty for developers and communities and encourage investment in local areas. The registers will then be used to monitor the Government’s commitment to the delivery of brownfield sites.

Local Planning Authorities are required to prepare a Brownfield Land Register for their area by 31 December 2017.

Dover District Council Brownfield Register

Self Build Register

The Self Build and Custom Housebuilding Act 2015 requires relevant authorities, including District Councils, to keep a register of individuals and associations of individuals who are seeking to acquire serviced plots of land for self-build and custom housebuilding. The definition and operation of the register is prescribed by The Self-build and Custom Housebuilding (Register) Regulations 2016.  The Act requires that prescribed authorities must have regard to each register that relates to its area when carrying out its functions in relation to planning, housing, the disposal of any land of the authority and regeneration.

Any proposal for self-build housing will need a formal planning application and will be subject to the relevant policies set out within the development plan for the area.

Additional information on self-build homes is available through the Self-Build Portal which provides encouragement and advice to people who want to build their own home.  Alternatively the National Custom and Self Build Association brings together developers, architects, planners, financial and warranty providers, manufacturers, self builders, community groups and local authorities to develop, share and promote best practice in self and custom build.

Further information on local training courses and events for those interested in embarking on a self-build or community-led housing project can be found via the Community Housing page. 

Dover District Council Self Build Register