An innovative self build scheme led by the National Self Build & Renovation Centre and Swindon Borough Council was announced today, in a bid to tackle the shortage of suitable, affordable homes in the area.

The National Self Build & Renovation Centre was opened in February 2007 by BuildStore, the pioneering self build experts, and has helped thousands of people throughout the UK to realise their dream of building their own home. Self build is becoming more appealing and is proving a realistic alternative to the existing housing market for people wishing to get on or move up the property ladder.

Under a joint venture, the National Self Build & Renovation Centre and Swindon Borough Council are looking to create a large site in Swindon, set aside purely for self build. Once a suitable location has been identified by the Council, the experts at the Centre will begin to establish individual plots for each house, provide the full infrastructure, including access, water, electricity and all mains services. Each house will then be designed and built to each individual’s own specification, with project management, training and facilities provided by the Centre experts as necessary.

Similar self build community schemes have been set up across the UK, but this will be the first partnership with a local Council in England.

Tim Doherty, managing director at the National Self Build & Renovation Centre explained: “We are delighted that Swindon Borough Council is working with us on this scheme. It shows a real commitment to providing affordable housing solutions in the Swindon area and hopefully its success will inspire other local authorities to consider similar schemes. Self build is more accessible and more viable than people first realise and aside from the financial savings and VAT benefits, it is incredibly rewarding and it provides tailored accommodation.

“This is a great example of how public sector and private sectors can work and invest together to make a difference and meet the needs of the local people.”

Councillor Peter Greenhalgh, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport & Strategic Planning, added: “This is an exciting concept and reflects our commitment to providing affordable houses. Those commissioning their own home build often specify modern constructional techniques such as off-site construction, which can provide superior, more environmentally-friendly solutions. These practices can apply to all sizes of property, so that self builders from every age range and demographic can take advantage of this unique opportunity.”

The National Self Build & Renovation Centre and Swindon Borough will be collecting details from those interested in taking part in the project, which should start towards the end of 2008.