Lovers of Grand Designs and wannabe architects could soon be building their dream homes in Swindon.

Crest Nicholson, which has built scores of houses on the Tadpole Garden Village development on the northern edge of the town, has applied for permission to create a plot for 14 custom-built houses on the western edge of the village. This is next to land already allocated for houses.

If the plan is approved, the company will divide the land into 14 plots and construct roads and services – water, gas, electricity and sewage – to supply them.

But the houses themselves will be built to the specifications of those who buy the plots.

Andrew Dobson, managing director of Crest Nicholson strategic projects, said: “We are always looking for innovative ways to respond to customer demands.

"Over time we have seen demand increase for individual, bespoke homes within our communities.

“The custom-build plots will allow a customer to select a building plot and then design a house that responds to local context and suits their lifestyle and budget needs.

"The homes will be delivered in partnership with architectural and manufacturing experts, Potton Homes.”

There is a list of design guidelines and stipulations set out by Crest Nicholson on its application.

The company says: “The intention is not to restrict or compromise individuality, but to provide a framework to ensure a unified architectural feel amongst each of the plots within the custom build phase and the built character experienced within the wider village.

“The general built character within the village is derived from an Arts and Crafts style of architecture. Buildings proposed within the custom build phase should adhere to this approach, which can be applied in a traditional manner or re-imagined as a contemporary interpretation.”

Harvey Fremlin, the managing director of the National Self-Build and Renovation Centre in Lydiard Fields, said there’s good reason for such stipulations.

He said: “With custom-build zones, where the developer provides the services, there will be design parameters set and as long as the designs of the houses are within those parameters, then it’s basically already been agreed – so it’s much easier to get planning permission for the house.”

Ann McBarra, 47, was looking in an estate agent’s window in the town centre.

She said: "I really like Grand Designs. I watch it a lot, and it’s nice to dream of your perfect house, built just the way you want it.

“I don’t think I’d want to actually do it though, unless I had so much money that you could have anything. It looks like a lot of work – on the TV they always run over time and budget.”

Crest Nicholson’s plans are available on swindon.org.uk using the reference number S/OUT/19/1064.