A DEVELOPER is seeking to rule out self-built homes at its massive proposed development on York’s outskirts - despite council aims to facilitate self-building.

Consultants for Redrow Homes say in a planning application for the 970-home scheme near the Monks Cross shopping park that self-built and custom-built homes are "not appropriate" there for a series of fundamental reasons, including that they could "attract anti-social behaviour".

But a self-builders association has dismissed its arguments, saying the developers do not understand what it is all about.

The planning consultants, Johnson Mowat, say in a submission to City of York Council that the introduction of plots for self and custom-built homes would be likely to prevent comprehensive development and result in plots remaining undeveloped.

“Such plots are detrimental to the appearance of the development and at risk of attracting anti-social behaviour,” they said.

“Should self or custom-built housing be developed then this would differ from the design theme of the surrounding development. Should design consistency requirements be imposed, then it is unlikely that this would be attractive to self or custom-builders.”

They say the new-build estate surroundings would be unlikely to be attractive to people seeking self-build opportunities and smaller sites were more appropriate. They also warn of potential construction management complications, increasing risk/liabilities and reducing efficiency, and suggest they would decrease funds available for integral community facilities.

But the National Custom and Self Build Association said such concerns reflected a misunderstanding of how self-build operated and argued they could be ameliorated by, for example, design and time restrictions.

A spokesman said it gave people greater choice "about how their home reflects their lives and needs," adding: “This might be for multi-generational living, assisted or disabled living, downsizing homes with decent size living spaces but with fewer bedrooms, live-work homes, or even just homes that reflect personal choices, such as hobbies or pets.” He said local authorities must give permission for enough serviced building plots to meet demand, under responsibilities placed on them by Right to Build legislation.

A council spokesman declined to comment on Redrow’s plans but said the authority supported self-build as one way to offer creative options for residents to find affordable homes in the city.

He added: “We’ve had a lot of interest in self-build. York has got 163 people signed up to its register." Find out more at www.york.gov.uk and search for ‘self build'.