Developer housing moves in on DIY construction site, dealing another setback to homemakers planning to build their own houses

The London Road site in Shrewsbury, initially earmarked for 47 homes, has undergone a significant change in its development plan. The local council-owned developer, Cornovii Developments Ltd, has announced that the land will no longer be made available for self-builders.

Originally, the London Road Site was intended to provide land for sensitively designed housing and sustainable homes, with 37 plots designated for self-builders and 10 for affordable housing. However, due to "substantial social and economic shifts" across the UK, Cornovii Developments has decided to offer 32 custom build plots instead.

This shift in the London Road development is part of a growing trend in the UK, as self-build sites become increasingly scarce. The developers at Graven Hill, the largest self-build site in the UK, are also reducing self-build plots and building more affordable housing and apartment buildings in the second stage of their plans.

Cornovii Developments is maintaining their pledge to build quality, sustainable, and environmentally friendly homes by offering the plots as custom build sites. The decision to change the offer was made after consultation with national self-build organizations and experts.

It's important to note that the Self-build and Custom Housebuilding Act 2015 does not provide a distinction between self-build and custom-build when the specified criteria within the act is met. This means that while the London Road site may no longer be a self-build site, it still adheres to the principles of custom-build housing.

The London Road site remains under the ownership of the local council, and Cornovii Developments Ltd, a developer owned by the council, aims to provide serviced plots for residents to build their own homes and promote sustainable design.

This change in the London Road development reflects the evolving landscape of the UK's housing market and construction industry, as they adapt to changing circumstances and demand.

Developer housing moves in on DIY construction site, dealing another setback to homemakers planning to build their own houses