Anyone planning new building projects in their community can apply for a share of £17 million to get their ideas off the ground.

Housing Minister Mark Prisk announced the fund, which will offer additional support to people with plans and ideas for their neighbourhood, from self-build homes to community shops.

The minister said the money will ensure that those wishing to realise their vision will no longer be put off building by the challenges of design and permissions.

Until now, the £17 million pot was earmarked solely to help Community Right to Build projects develop their proposals. But to ensure that local building plans can access the same support, whatever route they take, Mr Prisk has expanded the scheme to include any community project.

-- Advertisement --

This means that communities who want to make a change in their area, such as creating a new playground, renovating an empty home or making plots available for house building will be able to access the money they need to develop plans and make it happen. The fund is available for communities outside London until March 2015.

Self builders will also be able to benefit from the fund by joining forces with local people to design and gain approval for the home they want. This pot is in addition to the £30 million Custom Build Fund to help people get projects off the ground.

Minister Prisk said: "From barn conversions to bungalows, anyone wanting to build new homes in their area should have the opportunity to do so. That's why we're opening the door to a £17 million support fund which will help people navigate the early stages of any project.

"The cash will make it easier for aspiring self-builders and communities to get their projects off the ground, opening the door for hundreds of potential building projects across the country."

(CD/IT)