CHESHIRE East Council is encouraging people to join its self-build housing register.

In an attempt to meet the demand for housing in the borough, the register was developed in April 2016 for people interested in buying a plot of land with access to roads and utilities.

The council will now give priority to people with connections with east Cheshire by introducing a ‘local connection test’ for applicants to the register.

To meet the test, application have to live or work in east Cheshire or have an offer of employment in the borough.

Cllr Ainsley Arnold, CEC cabinet member for housing and planning, said: “Self-build provides a good opportunity for people to develop a property that really matches their needs and requirements.

“We as a council are fully supportive of this opportunity to bring forward more new homes in the borough to help boost the housing supply to better meet local need.”

The information from the register will be used to help the council with planning decisions as well as assessing the demand for serviced plots.

For more information on how to apply visit cheshireeast.gov.uk/housing/self-build-and-custom-build-housing.