Serviced Plots for Self-Build in Portslade

Sites we take on near Portslade

We cover Portslade as part of East Sussex. It is about 3 miles west of Brighton, around postcode district BN41. Close by, our coverage also takes in Hove, Brighton and Worthing. Portslade is part of England’s South East region.

Near Portslade, we look at fields that need a masterplan before an application, sites where the layout needs to change and in-principle consents that still need detailed approval. In England, where Portslade sits, planning decisions are made by the local planning authority, usually the district, borough, city or unitary council (or a national park authority).

Tell us about the site near Portslade and we will explain how we would take it forward.

Our approach in Portslade

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.

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.

Register interest now

No plots are available yet. Registering interest tells us where people want plots and what they need, which helps shape the sites we bring forward.

Services at the boundary

Plots are planned with road access and connections for water, drainage and electricity, so you are not left negotiating with utility companies on your own.

How the rules work in Portslade

If your land near Portslade lies in the Green Belt, national policy still protects it, but England's planning framework now recognises grey belt: Green Belt land that is previously developed or does not strongly contribute to certain Green Belt purposes. Where there is evidenced unmet need and the location is sustainable, grey belt housing can be acceptable, with major schemes meeting the Golden Rules on affordable housing, infrastructure and green space. Planning is never guaranteed, so we check policy, access and constraints first.

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.

Key rules in Portslade
Local planning document	Local Plan
Who decides applications	The local planning authority, usually the district, borough, city or unitary council (or a national park authority)
In-principle consent	Outline planning permission, with reserved matters approved later
Land transaction tax (paid by the buyer)	Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT)

Questions about Serviced Plots for Self-Build in Portslade

Can I sell part of my land as self-build plots?

Yes, if the land has planning prospects and suitable access. A few plots can suit land on a village edge or a large garden. Our free site appraisal looks at whether plots would work and whether a direct sale to us, an option or a promotion agreement is the right route. On option and promotion agreements we pay your reasonable legal fees.

Can I get a mortgage for a self-build plot?

Many lenders offer self-build mortgages that release money in stages as the build progresses, but criteria vary and a standard mortgage will not usually work. You will normally need planning permission, a detailed budget and a warranty or professional supervision in place. A mortgage broker or adviser can explain the options; we cannot give financial advice.

What is the Right to Build register?

In England, councils must keep a register of people and groups who want a serviced plot to build their own home, and have a duty to grant enough suitable planning permissions to meet the demand it shows. Many councils let you join free, though some charge a fee or apply local connection tests. The duty applies in England only.

Is there a self-build register in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland?

In Scotland, planning authorities keep self-build lists of people interested in building their own home, which inform local planning. Wales and Northern Ireland do not have a statutory register like England's, although some councils may still record interest, and self-build plots are assessed through normal planning policy. Check with your local council.

Can you manage a site in Portslade from planning to build?

On land we take forward ourselves in Portslade and elsewhere in East Sussex, including Hastings, Eastbourne and Bexhill-on-Sea, we manage planning, design and construction. Tell us about the site and we will explain how we would approach it.