Cluster of self-build plots would be a first

Maidenhead: Proposal for a phased development of housing plots in Drift Road

An association focused on ‘communityled housing’ has applied for permission for a cluster of self-build housing plots in Maidenhead – a first for RBWM, it claims.

The plan is for a phased development of custom and self-build plots on 1,250sqm of vacant land adjacent to Orchard Cottage in Drift Road.

Self-Build and Custom Housebuilding (SBCH) is where an individual builds their own home or contracts a builder to create a custom home for them.

Government guidance says that SBCHs ‘help to diversify the housing market and increase consumer choice.’

In considering whether a home is SBCH, authorities must be satisfied that the initial owner of the home will have primary input into its final design and layout.

Community Build, an association for community-led housing, has put forward the application for Drift Road. Its aim is to provide SBCH ‘for people with a local connection.’

The plots will be matched to people with a local connection on the Royal Borough’s self-build register, a record of how many people want to build their own homes.

Community Build says it has a list of 57 people with a local connection wishing to build their own home. These people have had a ‘primary input’ into the proposals.

People who have contacted Community Build about a plot include: families, young couples, retirees, empty nesters, sibling groups, people with mobility issues/disabilities, and young people looking for an affordable foot onto the housing ladder.

Community Build ‘seeks to provide different plot options for different living needs,’ it says.

The homes – fewer than nine in total – will be provided in clusters and the initiative ‘aims to foster a sense of community’ amongst the purchasers.

“The scheme has been designed to offer the Royal Borough its first cluster of (SBCH) plots and also the first community-led housing approach of this type,” wrote Community Build.

One advantage of the scheme, the association claims, is that it is an infill development, filling a small gap in an otherwise built-up residential area. The site has houses on all sides.

The proposal uses the existing access from Drift Road, meaning no new access roadworks need to be completed to make it functional. Regular RBWM refuse collection will also be from that road.

Finally, Community Build argues that there is ‘a need’ for these plots in RBWM, as there is a ‘shortfall’ of them.

RBWM passed a planning guide for self-build last September.

The houses will be required to have similar design features, to use a set palette of materials and boundary treatments will be required to be consistent.

This will foster a visual consistency, the association says.

The plot ‘passports’ (a simple summary of the design parameters) include biodiversity enhancements, including bat and bird boxes and native and wildlife friendly landscaping.

This incorporates gaps at the base of fences to allow hedgehogs to travel between gardens.

The proposal is an ‘outline’ application for the council to consider access, appearance, layout, and scale only, at first.

Landscaping is to be considered under a future, separate ‘reserved matters’ application.

Community Build said it made a preapplication seeking specific advice on custom and self-build plots in RBWM, but ‘to date there has been no advice or engagement’ from the council.’

See all plans with reference 24/01065/OUT in Windsor and Maidenhead council’s planning portal.