Self-Build Registers: Demand and Permissions by Local Authority
Compare demand recorded on self-build and custom housebuilding registers with plots granted planning permission. Explore which local authorities are meeting their legal duty and where deficits remain.
England overview
Base Period: 2019
Summary statistics
Total Joined Registers
86,083
Total Plots Granted Permission
50,632
Total Deficit of Plots
-35,451
Percentage of Demand Met
59%
Number of LA's Not Meeting Demand
201 of 319
Percentage of Local Authorities Not Meeting Demand
63%
About this data
Developed with NaCSBA, this tool helps self builders, local authorities, and consultants understand demand and supply for custom and self-build homes. Data is updated yearly by central government: Self-build and custom housebuilding data (official GOV.UK). Read NaCSBA’s draft Standard Methodology white paper here. For questions: info@livedin.co.uk or media@nacsba.org.uk.
Local authority detail
Click a council to view its time series.
Data relates to the relevant base period (Currently Base Period 4 - 2019)
| council | Plots required to Meet Total Register Demand | Plots Required to Meet Legal Duty | Charge | Local Connection Test implemented | Register Data Robustness | Plot Supply Data Robustness |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a self-build register?
A record maintained by each relevant local authority of individuals or groups seeking a serviced plot for self or custom housebuilding in that area.
Who can join the register?
Individuals aged 18+ and associations of individuals who meet the authority’s eligibility criteria. Some authorities apply a local connection test and/or charge a fee.
What is a “base period”?
A reporting window (typically annual) used in legislation to measure demand and set the three-year deadline for granting sufficient permissions to meet that demand.
What is the legal duty on authorities?
To grant enough suitable planning permissions within three years of the end of each base period to meet the demand recorded in that period, taking account of any lawful eligibility tests.
What does the GOV.UK dataset include?
Management information reported by local authorities: numbers joining the register and numbers of permissions granted, for each base period. The latest release covers 2016 to 2022-23 and applies to England. View the official dataset.
Why can reported totals differ from Part 1/Part 2 counts?
Authorities may separate the register into parts (e.g., after applying a local connection test). Some metrics reflect pre-test demand; others reflect post-test totals, so figures can differ.
What is the impact of a local connection test or fees?
These can reduce the number of people recorded as eligible, which can reduce the authority’s measured demand and the number of permissions required to meet the duty.
How often is the data updated?
Annually, following local authority submissions to central government. The latest publication date is 21 February 2025, covering up to 2022-23.