Government sets minimum targets for new homes in each district of England. The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) requires Councils to enable developers to build an agreed number of homes each year to cater for anticipated growth in the area. The number of homes required is calculated using a method provided by Government which gives a minimum figure for Wealden District of about 1,200 new homes per year.

As it stands, the Council need at least 1,700 more homes to meet this minimum requirement over the next five years. As such, there is a Government mandated need for more new homes in the area.

More specifically, we have commissioned research looking at the local demand for Custom and Self-Build homes. Using information from Wealden District Council’s register of interest in Self-Build and Custom Housebuilding, Buildstore and NaCSBA research we can evidence a strong demand for this type of home in Horam. Furthermore, our research shows that the demand in Wealden District has one of the highest relative demands per capita in England. This Custom and Self-Build needs assessment is submitted as part of our planning application.