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Planning, design and build · Greater London

Serviced Plots for Self-Build in Chalk Farm

Are serviced self-build plots coming forward in Chalk Farm?

If you want to build your own home in Chalk Farm, the hardest part is usually finding a plot with permission, access and services already sorted. Land to Homes plans serviced plots for self-build and custom build on suitable sites. We have no plots available yet, but you can register interest and tell us what you are looking for.

Site manager in a safety helmet checking drawings on a housebuilding siteChalk Farm · NW3

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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 Chalk Farm

We cover Chalk Farm as part of Greater London. It is about 3 miles north-west of London, around postcode district NW3. Nearby, we also cover Camden Town, Holloway and Archway, all within 2 miles. Chalk Farm is part of England’s London region.

Projects we can take on around Chalk Farm include land with an expired or ageing consent, plots where access or drainage is the sticking point and in-principle consents that still need detailed approval. Planning in Chalk Farm follows England’s rules: the National Planning Policy Framework sets national policy and the council’s Local Plan sets local policy.

If you have a site near Chalk Farm that is stuck, a short call is the best place to start.

What you get in Chalk Farm

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.

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.

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.

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.

How the rules work in Chalk Farm

Land with no planning permission can still be sold. Around Chalk Farm, 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 Chalk Farm
Local planning documentLocal Plan
Who decides applicationsThe local planning authority, usually the district, borough, city or unitary council (or a national park authority)
In-principle consentOutline planning permission, with reserved matters approved later
Developer contributionsSection 106 planning obligations, plus the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) where the council charges it

Common questions in Chalk Farm

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.

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 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.

Do you take on planning and building work in Chalk Farm?

Yes, on sites we buy, option, promote or develop in partnership in Chalk Farm and elsewhere in Greater London, including Highbury, Southall and Woodford Green. We do not take on planning or building work for third parties as a consultancy.

Read more: Serviced Plots for Self-Build · Guide: Green Belt and grey belt land explained

Own land that could take new homes?

Start with a free, no-obligation site appraisal. On option and promotion agreements we fund the planning work and pay your reasonable legal fees.

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