A TOUR of six self-build properties took place on Exmoor to help young people interested in building their own home in the National Park.

The event was organised by Exmoor National Park Authority, the local planning authority, and the charity Exmoor Young Voices and involved visiting a variety of properties in Wheddon Cross, Cutcombe, Hoe Farm and Exton.

The young people, who all live and work on Exmoor, were shown the variety of ways a self-build home can be achieved through different methods of construction and design.

“We would like to thank the homeowners that gave up their time to talk to the Young Voices and answer their questions on the whole process of self-build” said William Lock, chairman of Exmoor Young Voices.

The group also received advice from Dean Kinsella, Exmoor National Park Authority head of planning, and Tessa Saunders, senior planning officer, about planning and potential opportunities for self-build within Exmoor communities.

Mr Kinsella said: “With the generally higher cost of housing in National Parks, it can be difficult for people to find homes that are both affordable and close to work and family. Our Local Plan aims to help local people get on the housing ladder by enabling self-build homes where suitable homes aren’t available on the open market.

“Through our work with Exmoor Young Voices we aim to guide young people through the planning process to help them decide early on whether a self-build is a realistic way to provide them with the home they need.”

Since the introduction of specialist affordable housing policies in 2005, more than 200 local people have benefitted from new locally-tied affordable homes built in the National Park.