Aberdeenshire Council is encouraging residents interested in building their own homes to add their details to its self-build housing register, which has attracted 80 responses since launching in November 2023.

The register collects basic information from people seeking land for a self-build, including the type of plot they need and preferred locations. While joining does not lead to an offer of land, the data will help the council gauge demand for self-build opportunities and guide future planning policy and land use decisions.

The register can be accessed at www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/planning/self-build/

Paul Macari, Head of Planning and Economy at Aberdeenshire Council said: "The self-build register continues to assist us in assessing demand for self-build properties and ensure this is considered when developing our planning policies. However just as importantly, for anyone interested in undertaking their own self-build project it provides a range of important information and guidance which will help navigate the challenges that such a project poses."

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The initiative supports the Scottish Government's ambition to make self-build a more mainstream way of meeting housing needs. Under The Planning (Scotland) Act 2019, local planning authorities must prepare, maintain and publish a list of individuals who intend to acquire land for self-build housing in their area.

Information from the register will inform the preparation of Aberdeenshire Council's next Local Development Plan, ensuring future policies reflect local interest in self-build housing.

To assist applicants, the council has published a Self-Build Guide with introductory advice and links to more detailed sources: www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/media/27868/selfbuildguide.pdf

The council notes that self-building can be highly rewarding but is also complex, involving planning, design, finance and construction considerations. Anyone considering a project is advised to seek appropriate professional advice before proceeding.