Dorset Self-Build Register Data

Dorset has an outstanding deficit of 643 plots

Since 2016, 1,142 people have registered interest in self-build here. Dorset has permitted 128 plots.

Part 1 registrations

804

legal duty applies

Part 2 registrations

338

local eligibility

Plots permitted

128

since 2016

Current deficit

643

Period 7 (2022)

People on Dorset's self build register

Each icon represents 10 people on the self build register.

People on Dorset's self build register

1,142

Part 1: 804Part 2: 338

How has demand evolved?

The chart below tracks cumulative Part 1 demand, combined Part 1+2 demand, permissions granted, and the total outstanding demand over time.

From permissions dataFrom register data

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Freedom of Information data

We've obtained planning permission data through FOI requests, allowing us to verify which permissions are genuinely for self-build homes.

Use FOI verified permissions data

Data available for base periods: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

Self-reported

FOI verified

Self-reported data

Councils report how many permissions they've granted. This may include permissions that aren't genuinely for self-build.

FOI verified data

Only counts "Definite" self-builds with self-build conditions, unilateral undertakings, or CIL Part 2 exemptions.

535 planning applications obtained via FOI

⚠️Errors and inconsistencies in reported demand data

Original

Adjusted

Summary of Errors Found

2021 Missing Breakdown: The data provided the Total number of individuals Added (205) and the Part 1/Part 2 End of Period split (45 and 160 respectively), but did not explicitly list the 'Added' or 'Start' numbers for the subgroups. Since the previous year (2020) ended with 0 entries, the 'Added' figures were derived directly from the 'End of Period' figures.
2022 Missing Breakdown: The data provided the End of Period split for Part 1 (79) and Part 2 (236) but did not provide the 'Start of Period' or 'Added' breakdown. These were derived by comparing the 2022 End figures with the 2021 End figures.

Summary of Corrections

2021 Individuals: Derived part_1_individuals_added (45) and part_2_individuals_added (160) to align with the provided End of Period totals.
2022 Individuals: Derived part_1_individuals_added (34) and part_2_individuals_added (76) by calculating the difference between the 2022 End totals and the 2021 End totals.

Detailed compliance calculations

The full breakdown of how the deficit is calculated, including how demand carries forward for three years while surplus permissions do not.

Cells highlighted indicate values changed by error adjustments

Base Period	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9
Year	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023	2024
Part 1 — Individuals Added	235	201	255	0	0	45	34	16	17
Part 1 — Groups Added	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Part 1 — Total Added	235	202	255	0	0	45	34	16	17
Part 1 — Cumulative	235	437	692	692	692	737	771	787	804
Part 2 — Individuals Added	0	0	0	0	0	160	76	59	43
Part 2 — Groups Added	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Part 2 — Total Added	0	0	0	0	0	160	76	59	43
Permissions Granted	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	59	69
Permissions — Cumulative	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	59	128
Permissions Matched to Base Period	0	0	0	0	59	69	0	0	0
Deficit/Surplus for Base Period	-235	-202	-255	0	59	24	-34	-16	-17
Unusable Surplus Permissions	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	33
Outstanding Demand	235	437	692	692	633	609	643	659	709

What's happening each year?

Looking at annual data shows whether registration rates are increasing or decreasing, and how permissions compare to new demand each year.

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What policies are in place?

Local authorities can implement various policies that affect self-build. Some restrict who can join the register, while others actively support self-build delivery.

Entry requirements

These policies can limit who is eligible to join the register.

Local connection test

Requires proof of local ties to the area

Yes

Financial viability test

Requires proof of ability to complete a build

Registration fee

Charges a fee to join the register

Yes

Support measures

Dorset has implemented 5 of 8 possible support measures.

Local Plan general support

Housing mix policy

Percentage policy

Supplementary guidance

Land allocations consideration

Supported specific projects

Housing strategy action

Neighbourhood plan support

Frequently asked questions

Understanding self-build registers and local authority duties.

Under the Self-build and Custom Housebuilding Act 2015, all local authorities in England must maintain a register of individuals and groups who want to build their own homes. The register helps councils understand demand for self-build plots in their area and plan accordingly.

Part 1 includes everyone who meets the basic eligibility criteria (over 18, seeking to acquire land in the area, and a British citizen/EU national with right to reside). Local authorities have a legal duty to grant enough permissions to meet Part 1 demand. Part 2 is optional and councils can apply additional local eligibility tests—such as local connection requirements—to filter applicants. While Part 2 numbers still represent real demand, there's no specific legal duty attached to meeting it.

A base period runs from 31 October to 30 October the following year. The first base period began on 1 April 2016 (when the duty came into force) and ended on 30 October 2016. Councils must count how many people joined Part 1 during each base period, then grant enough "suitable" permissions within 3 years of the end of that base period.

For each base period, we compare the Part 1 demand (registrations) against suitable permissions granted within the 3-year compliance window. If permissions fall short of demand for any base period, that shortfall becomes an outstanding deficit. Importantly, surplus permissions from one period cannot be carried forward to offset deficits from later periods—each base period must be addressed independently.

The legislation refers to granting permissions for "suitable serviced plots of land"—meaning sites with access to connections for electricity, water, and sewerage (or can be provided in a reasonable time). Councils can count permissions they've granted directly, as well as those granted on appeal or through permitted development. The permission doesn't have to be for a council-owned site.

Councils must: (1) maintain the register and allow eligible people to join, (2) have regard to the register when carrying out planning and housing functions, and (3) grant enough suitable permissions to meet the Part 1 demand from each base period within 3 years.

This data comes from Dorset's annual returns published by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC), Freedom of Information requests, and published council documents. We cross-reference multiple sources to verify accuracy and flag any inconsistencies. If you spot an error, please let us know.