Aberdeenshire Council is calling on residents considering building their own homes to sign up to the Aberdeenshire Self-Build Register. Launched in October 2023, the register collects essential information about individuals' housing requirements and preferred plot types.

To date, the register has garnered over 40 responses, which have proven valuable in refining the data collected. Council officers have used the feedback to adjust the register's questions, ensuring they accurately capture information relevant to Planning Policy and Housing services.

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While registration does not guarantee an offer of land, Aberdeenshire Council will utilize the collected data to inform future policy decisions and land use planning.

The initiative aligns with the Scottish Government's goal of promoting self-build homes as a mainstream housing option. Under The Planning (Scotland) Act 2019 (Section 16E), local planning authorities are required to maintain and publish a list of individuals intending to acquire land for self-build housing. Aberdeenshire Council will use this register to inform its next Local Development Plan.

In addition to the register, the council has published a self-build guide, which provides introductory information and signposts to further resources. The council emphasises that self-building is a complex undertaking and recommends seeking professional advice.