Mid Sussex Self-Build Register Data

Mid Sussex has an outstanding deficit of 453 plots

Since 2016, 542 people have registered interest in self-build here. Mid Sussex has permitted 31 plots.

Part 1 registrations

505

legal duty applies

Part 2 registrations

local eligibility

Plots permitted

since 2016

Current deficit

453

Period 7 (2022)

People on Mid Sussex's self build register

Each icon represents 10 people on the self build register.

People on Mid Sussex's self build register

542

Part 1: 505Part 2: 37

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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⚠️Errors and inconsistencies in reported demand data

Original

Adjusted

Summary of Errors Found

2017 Arithmetic Error: The data shows 179 individuals added to a derived start of 163 (from 2016), which should equal 342. The reported end total was 343. The 'Total Individuals End of Period' was adjusted to 342 to maintain mathematical consistency.
2018 Data Gap & Reset: The register shows a significant drop (Start ~32 vs 2017 End 342), implying a register reset. Part 1 and Part 2 breakdown for 'Added' was missing and has been derived based on the 'End of Period' ratios.
2019 Arithmetic Error: The reported Added (61) plus Start (90) equals 151, but the reported End is 144. 'Total Individuals Removed' was set to 7 to resolve this. Part 1/2 Added breakdowns were derived to match the End totals.
2020 Data Gap & Reset: Another large drop in numbers (Start ~9 vs 2019 End 144) suggests removals. The Part 1/2 breakdown for 'Added' was derived from the 'End of Period' values.
2021 Data Gap: The breakdown for Part 1 and Part 2 'Added' was missing. These were derived by calculating the difference between Start (from 2020) and End values for each part.
2022 Data Gap & Group Removal: Large drop in individuals (Start 15 vs 2021 End 53). Missing Part 1/2 'Added' breakdown was derived. Additionally, the Group register dropped from 1 to 0, so 'Total Groups Removed' was derived.
2023 Data Inconsistency: There was a clear error in the 'Added' columns for Part 1 and Part 2. The Part 1 math (Start 21 + Added 2 - Removed 21) resulted in 2, but the End was 13. Conversely, Part 2 math (Start 7 + Added 13 - Removed 7) resulted in 13, but the End was 2. Swapping the 'Added' figures (Part 1: 13, Part 2: 2) resolves the arithmetic perfectly for both parts.

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	163	179	50	39	10	29	13	13	8
Part 1 — Groups Added	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0
Part 1 — Total Added	163	179	50	39	10	30	13	13	8
Part 1 — Cumulative	163	342	392	431	441	471	484	497	505
Part 2 — Individuals Added	0	0	8	22	3	2	0	2	0
Part 2 — Groups Added	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Part 2 — Total Added	0	0	8	22	3	2	0	2	0
Permissions Granted	0	3	3	6	2	6	2	5	4
Permissions — Cumulative	0	3	6	12	14	20	22	27	31
Permissions Matched to Base Period	12	2	6	2	5	4	0	0	0
Deficit/Surplus for Base Period	-151	-177	-44	-37	-5	-26	-13	-13	-8
Unusable Surplus Permissions	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Outstanding Demand	151	328	372	409	414	440	453	466	474

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

Mid Sussex has implemented 7 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 Mid Sussex'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.