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Scottish Charity Register No. SC043760

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The rise of the self-build home

June 28 2013
Fancy getting your hands dirty and learning a few new skills?

 

Some Lewisham (South London) residents will soon be supported to build their own homes, through a new scheme offered by the borough’s council.

In partnership with The National Self Build Organisation (NaSBA) and an experienced house builder, Lewisham Council are offering individuals, community groups and organisations the chance to custom-build a house.

A site off Church Grove in Ladywell, London SE13, has been identified for the scheme, with spaces for up to 16 new homes to be built by 2016. In addition to gaining a new home, participants will acquire new skills in house building trades such as electrical, carpentry, plumbing and bricklaying, which could help them access future employment opportunities.

Councillor Susan Wise, cabinet member for customer services, said: "Everyone recognises that London has a real shortage of housing but Lewisham Council is exploring a whole range of ways to support the needs of local residents.

“We were the first in the country to experiment with self-build projects, so we know we can make this work.”

The council ran a successful self-build scheme in Honor Oak Park which was completed in the 1980s. It was the first project of its kind in the UK and inspired similar initiatives around the country.

Earlier in May, NaSBA organised the first-ever National Self Build Week to raise awareness about self-build options.

In this latest scheme community groups and organisations can support residents in their application but applicants must be a Lewisham resident and be on the Lewisham housing waiting list. For more information and to register your interest email housing.matters@lewisham.gov.uk or call 020 831 9163.

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