East Hertfordshire Self-Build Register Data

East Hertfordshire has an outstanding deficit of 41 plots

Since 2016, 87 people have registered interest in self-build here. East Hertfordshire has permitted 9 plots.

Part 1 registrations

legal duty applies

Part 2 registrations

local eligibility

Plots permitted

since 2016

Current deficit

Period 7 (2022)

People on East Hertfordshire's self build register

Each icon represents one person on the self build register.

People on East Hertfordshire's self build register

Part 1: 64Part 2: 23

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.

Loading chart...

⚠️Errors and inconsistencies in reported demand data

Original

Adjusted

Summary of Errors Found

Running Total Inconsistencies (All Years): The data provided often reports the 'End of Period' count as the number of individuals added in that specific year (or a non-cumulative figure), rather than a running total of the register. This creates a disconnect where 'Start + Added' does not equal 'End'. The data has been adjusted to maintain a cumulative running total from 2016 onwards, prioritizing the 'Added' figures as the source of truth.
2018 Breakdown Mismatch: The total number of individuals on the register (adjusted to 26 based on cumulative data) did not match the reported breakdown totals. The breakdown for 'Added' individuals was derived by observing that Part 2 totals increased by 4 (from 0), attributing the remaining 3 added individuals to Part 1.
2019 Breakdown Mismatch: The reported Part 2 total was 6. Given the calculated previous Part 2 total was 4, it was derived that 2 individuals were added to Part 2 and the remaining 22 (of the 24 total added) were added to Part 1.
2020 Missing Data: No data was provided for 2020. Running totals were carried forward from 2019 to maintain continuity.
2021 Breakdown Mismatch: The reported Part 2 total increased to 19. Based on the previous calculated Part 2 total of 6, it was derived that 13 individuals were added to Part 2, and the remaining 4 (of the 17 total added) were added to Part 1.
2024 Arithmetic Error: The entry for 2024 reported 'Total Individuals Added' as 14, but the breakdown listed 14 added to Part 1 and 2 added to Part 2 (summing to 16). Additionally, the Part 2 'Start' and 'End' figures appeared to be copy-pasted from 2023 (Start 21, End 23), ignoring that the register actually ended 2023 with 23 individuals on Part 2. It was determined that the Part 2 Added figure of 2 was an error and should be 0. The Part 2 Start was corrected to 23.

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	9	10	3	22	0	4	2	0	14
Part 1 — Groups Added	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Part 1 — Total Added	9	10	3	22	0	4	2	0	14
Part 1 — Cumulative	9	19	22	44	44	48	50	50	64
Part 2 — Individuals Added	0	0	4	2	0	13	2	2	0
Part 2 — Groups Added	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Part 2 — Total Added	0	0	4	2	0	13	2	2	0
Permissions Granted	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	9
Permissions — Cumulative	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	9
Permissions Matched to Base Period	0	0	0	0	0	9	0	0	0
Deficit/Surplus for Base Period	-9	-10	-3	-22	0	5	-2	0	-14
Unusable Surplus Permissions	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	3
Outstanding Demand	9	19	22	44	44	39	41	41	58

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.

Loading chart...

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

Yes

Registration fee

Charges a fee to join the register

Support measures

East Hertfordshire 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 East Hertfordshire'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.