Council offers up self-build plots after land review

A council in Lancashire is offering up three plots of land - all with planning consent - after carrying out a review of its land holdings.

West Lancashire Borough Council says the plots would be "ideal" for people who want to build their own home.

The council says that it's likely other plots across the borough will become available and is urging people to check its website for updates.

Cllr Adrian Owens,  portfolio holder for regeneration and estates, said: “These three plots of land are available for immediate purchase and would be ideal for people who want to build their own home. All it needs now is for someone with the enthusiasm and drive to turn their dreams into a reality.

“We are offering these sites for sale as we are carrying out a review of the council’s landholdings, with the aim of ensuring that our property portfolio is focused and sustainable.”

The plots are at:

• Todds Lane, Banks PR9 8BE – permission for a single residential property
• Mill Dam Lane, Burscough L40 7TG – permission for two semi-detached houses (or a single detached dwelling may also be acceptable subject to planning)
• Flaxton Skelmersdale WN8 6PE – permission for a pair of semi-detached bungalows

Housing minister Grant Shapps has previously set out his intentions to increase the number of homes from self build.

Around 14,000 self-build homes are completed in the UK every year and Mr Shapps has signalled his intention to double the size of the market over the next decade.

He has made £30 million available to support provision of short-term project finance to the sector on a “repayable basis”. It is planning to consult with councils on options “shortly” and publish plans in early 2012.