Self-Build Developments

The Local Planning Authority will need to be satisfied that the initial owner of the home has had primary input into the dwelling’s final design and layout. This will need to be demonstrated by providing evidence of how the design and layout has been directed, influenced and determined by the applicant through a self-build statement as part of a planning application. Further information can be found in the Council’s Housing SPD:

BDC: babergh-and-mid-suffolk-housing-spd-november-2024
MSDC: babergh-and-mid-suffolk-housing-spd-november-2024

Any planning application for a single self-build dwelling must be submitted with a draft (not signed or dated) unilateral undertaking using this template:

Final Template Single Self-Build Unilateral Undertaking 27.4.26

The Council’s Legal Team cannot provide legal advice or support in completing this template. It is therefore strongly recommended that you seek your own legal advice and instruct a solicitor. 

A £350 legal fee will be payable upfront to cover the Council’s legal costs for checking the draft unilateral undertaking.  

A monitoring fee of £495 (2026/2027 year) per trigger point contained in the unilateral undertaking will also be charged to cover the Council’s monitoring costs. This will be payable at the relevant point as specified within the unilateral undertaking.

Additional information is required to be submitted alongside this unilateral undertaking template. Further information on this can be found on our guidance note:

Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils Self-Build Guidance Note v1.0

Please note that a unilateral undertaking will be required for all self-build applications, however the current template can only be used for self-build applications for one dwelling. A template for applications relating to more than one self-build dwelling is being drafted and will be uploaded to this page once finalised. 

IMPORTANT: Signing a unilateral undertaking does NOT provide a Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) exemption. Separate CIL forms must be completed prior to commencement of development. Further information can be found here:

Community Infrastructure Levy - Babergh District Council - babergh.gov.uk / midsuffolk.gov.uk 

Community Infrastructure Levy - Mid Suffolk District Council - babergh.gov.uk / midsuffolk.gov.uk

Webpage last updated: 07 May 2026