Serviced Plots for Self-Build in Chester
Land to Homes brings forward serviced plots as well as finished homes, and Chester is one of the areas where self-builders can register interest. On larger sites, a share of plots can be set aside for self-build and custom build, each with access, services and a plot passport setting out what can be built. Landowners with land suited to plots can also talk to us.
Chester · CH1Free site appraisal
Tell us about your land and we will call you back. No cost, no obligation.
Prefer to talk? Call 0800 088 6248.
- Free site appraisalNo cost, no obligation
- Legal fees coveredReasonable fees, on options and promotion
- Nothing to pay upfrontOn promotion: we fund planning
- Direct purchaseSuitable sites, with or without planning
- UK-wideEngland, Wales, Scotland and NI
Our work around Chester
Chester sits about 19 miles south-west of Warrington in Cheshire, in the CH1 postcode district. Nearby, we also cover Ellesmere Port, Garston and Speke, all within 11 miles. Within England, Chester falls in the North West region. From our Birmingham head office in Great Barr, Chester is about 59 miles away.
Near Chester, we look at sites that need a fresh planning strategy, land where self-build plots could suit the market and schemes that need redesigning to work. Planning in Chester follows England’s rules: the National Planning Policy Framework sets national policy and the council’s Local Plan sets local policy.
Send us the site address near Chester and we will tell you what we think the planning route is.
How we work in Chester
Landowners welcome
If your land could suit self-build plots, our free site appraisal explains the options, including a direct purchase, an option or a promotion agreement.
Right to Build explained
In England, councils keep self-build and custom housebuilding registers. We explain how the registers work in general terms, but they are run by councils, not by us.
Planning made clear
We aim to bring plots forward with planning permission in place, or with a clear set of rules, often called a plot passport, describing what can be built.
Part of larger schemes
On bigger developments, serviced plots can sit alongside homes for sale, rent and affordable tenures, sharing the same roads and services.
The English system, as it applies in Chester
In England, most planning applications for new homes in Chester are decided by the local planning authority, usually the council, using its Local Plan and the National Planning Policy Framework. Many landowners sell without planning, either outright or through an option or promotion agreement that funds the application first. Land to Homes offers a free site appraisal, pays your reasonable legal fees on option and promotion agreements, and can buy suitable sites directly, subject to survey, title and contract.
In England, councils keep self-build and custom housebuilding registers under the Right to Build legislation and have a duty to grant enough suitable permissions for serviced plots to meet demand. Self-build homes can usually claim an exemption from the Community Infrastructure Levy where it is charged, and plots are judged against the National Planning Policy Framework and the Local Plan.
| Who decides applications | The local planning authority, usually the district, borough, city or unitary council (or a national park authority) |
|---|---|
| Land transaction tax (paid by the buyer) | Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) |
| How a sale becomes binding | A land sale becomes legally binding on exchange of contracts and finishes on completion, after which the buyer registers the title with HM Land Registry. |
| Developer contributions | Section 106 planning obligations, plus the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) where the council charges it |
Serviced Plots for Self-Build in Chester: questions
What is a serviced plot?
A serviced plot is a piece of land ready for a single home, with access to a road and connections for services such as water, drainage and electricity at or near the boundary. In England, the Right to Build legislation defines a serviced plot by reference to access to a public highway and those utility connections, or the ability to provide them.
What is the difference between self-build and custom build?
With self-build, you organise the design and construction of your home yourself, either doing some of the work or hiring a builder. With custom build, a developer provides more of the package, such as a serviced plot, a range of designs and sometimes the construction itself, while you make the key choices. The line between the two is not always sharp.
Do you have self-build plots for sale now?
Not yet. Land to Homes is a new venture and has no plots, homes or developments for sale at the moment. You can register interest with your preferred area and the kind of plot you want, and we will contact you if we bring forward plots that match. Registering is free and commits you to nothing.
Do self-builders pay the Community Infrastructure Levy?
In England and Wales, where a council charges the Community Infrastructure Levy, self-builders can usually claim an exemption, but it must be applied for correctly and before work starts, and the conditions followed afterwards. Mistakes can mean the full charge becomes payable. Scotland and Northern Ireland do not have the levy. Take advice before starting work.
Do you take on planning and building work in Chester?
Yes, on sites we buy, option, promote or develop in partnership in Chester and elsewhere in Cheshire, including Wilmslow, Great Sankey and Ellesmere Port. We do not take on planning or building work for third parties as a consultancy.
Read more: Serviced Plots for Self-Build · Guide: Landowner joint ventures explained: sharing in the development