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Lewes Self-Build Register Data
Lewes has an outstanding deficit of 282 plots
Since 2016, 414 people have registered interest in self-build here. Lewes has permitted 100 plots.
Part 1 registrations
409
legal duty applies
Part 2 registrations
5
local eligibility
Plots permitted
100
since 2016
Current deficit
282
Period 7 (2022)
People on Lewes's self build register
Each icon represents 10 people on the self build register.
People on Lewes's self build register
414
Part 1: 409Part 2: 5
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.
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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.
| 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 | 37 | 81 | 43 | 61 | 60 | 72 | 24 | 15 | 11 |
| Part 1 — Groups Added | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Part 1 — Total Added | 37 | 82 | 45 | 61 | 60 | 73 | 24 | 16 | 11 |
| Part 1 — Cumulative | 37 | 119 | 164 | 225 | 285 | 358 | 382 | 398 | 409 |
| Part 2 — Individuals Added | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 4 |
| Part 2 — Groups Added | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Part 2 — Total Added | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 4 |
| Permissions Granted | 0 | 25 | 0 | 11 | 13 | 7 | 14 | 20 | 10 |
| Permissions — Cumulative | 0 | 25 | 25 | 36 | 49 | 56 | 70 | 90 | 100 |
| Permissions Matched to Base Period | 36 | 13 | 7 | 14 | 20 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Deficit/Surplus for Base Period | -1 | -69 | -38 | -47 | -40 | -63 | -24 | -16 | -11 |
| Unusable Surplus Permissions | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Outstanding Demand | 1 | 70 | 108 | 155 | 195 | 258 | 282 | 298 | 309 |
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
Financial viability test
Requires proof of ability to complete a build
Registration fee
Charges a fee to join the register
Support measures
Lewes has implemented 3 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 Lewes'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.