Serviced Plots for Self-Build in Harlow

Our work around Harlow

We cover Harlow as part of Essex. It is about 31 miles north-west of Southend-on-Sea, around postcode district CM17. Hoddesdon is the closest neighbouring place we cover, at about 5 miles, followed by Bishops Stortford and Waltham Abbey. Harlow is part of England’s East of England region.

Typical work around Harlow: in-principle consents that still need detailed approval, land where self-build plots could suit the market and sites where the layout needs to change. In England, where Harlow 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 Harlow and we will explain how we would take it forward.

What you get in Harlow

Self-build or custom build

Build the home yourself with your own builder and architect, or choose a more complete custom build package where one is offered on the site.

Design rules up front

Where a site has a design code or plot passport, we set out the rules before you commit, so you know what the planning permission allows.

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.

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.

The English system, as it applies in Harlow

Land with no planning permission can still be sold. Around Harlow, the usual routes in England are a direct sale, an option agreement or a promotion agreement, where the planning work is funded for you and the land is sold once consent is granted. Outline planning permission settles the principle, with reserved matters approved later. Section 106 obligations, the Community Infrastructure Levy where charged and biodiversity net gain all affect what a site is worth, so independent advice matters.

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 Harlow
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 registration	HM Land Registry

Your questions answered for Harlow

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.

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.

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.

Do you take on planning and building work in Harlow?

Yes, on sites we buy, option, promote or develop in partnership in Harlow and elsewhere in Essex, including Colchester, Wickford and Pitsea. We do not take on planning or building work for third parties as a consultancy.