Serviced Plots for Self-Build in Herne Bay

Sites we take on near Herne Bay

In Kent, Herne Bay lies about 27 miles east of Maidstone; its central postcode district is CT6. Whitstable is the closest neighbouring place we cover, at about 5 miles, followed by Canterbury and Faversham. Herne Bay is in the South East region of England.

Near Herne Bay, we look at sites where the layout needs to change, in-principle consents that still need detailed approval and sites that need a fresh planning strategy. Planning in Herne Bay 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 Herne Bay that is stuck, a short call is the best place to start.

Our approach in Herne Bay

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.

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.

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.

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.

Planning in Herne Bay: the English rules

Whether a field or large garden could take homes depends mostly on the council's Local Plan and national policy. Under the National Planning Policy Framework, plans define settlement boundaries, and land just outside Herne Bay may still come forward if it is allocated, previously developed or meets evidenced unmet housing need. Smaller housing schemes can also use Permission in Principle, an England-only route that settles location, use and amount first. Our free appraisal explains which route suits your land.

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 Herne Bay
National planning policy	National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), revised August 2026, with national planning practice guidance
Local planning document	Local Plan
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.

Common questions in Herne Bay

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 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.

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 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.

Do you take on planning and building work in Herne Bay?

Yes, on sites we buy, option, promote or develop in partnership in Herne Bay and elsewhere in Kent, including Gravesend, Sevenoaks and Folkestone. We do not take on planning or building work for third parties as a consultancy.