RESIDENTS in Pendle who want to build their own home could see their dreams turned into reality under a new Government initiative.

The borough has been chosen as one of 11 areas around the country that will benefit from a new scheme to help aspiring self-builders get their projects off the ground.

The council will receive £46,000 to provide self-build plots in the area, and explore opportunities for affordable homes.

Housing Minister Brandon Lewis said: “We’re determined to help anyone who aspires to own their own home – whether that’s buying on the open market through schemes like our Help to Buy, or to build.

“That’s why from today, 11 areas across the country will be the first to offer a new Right to Build, one of a range of measures we’re taking to ensure anyone who wants to build their own home has the opportunity and help they need to do so.

“This is one of a range of measures we’re taking to help aspiring homeowners, but also to get Britain building – and thanks to our efforts, housebuilding levels are at their highest since 2007 and rising.”

The Right to Build scheme is the latest in a range of measures designed to help those looking to build their own home.

The chosen areas will establish and maintain a register of prospective custom and self-builders in the area and begin to identify shovel-ready sites for those on the register – becoming the first to offer local people the right to design and build their own home.

The 11 areas will initially form part of a test of the scheme, with the possibility it will be rolled out to the rest of the country later this year.