Since 2016, 614 people have registered interest in self-build here. South Hams has permitted 466 plots.
Part 1 registrations
614
legal duty applies
Part 2 registrations
0
local eligibility
Plots permitted
466
since 2016
Current deficit
50
Period 7 (2022)
People on South Hams's self build register
Each icon represents 10 people on the self build register.
People on South Hams's self build register
614
No registrations recorded
Part 1: 614Part 2: 0
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
OriginalAdjusted
Summary of Errors Found
Missing Part 1/Part 2 Breakdowns: For all years, the breakdown of Part 1 and Part 2 registers was not explicitly populated in the data. Since the Local Connection Test was indicated as 'false' (or not introduced) during these periods, all totals have been assigned to Part 1 to derive the breakdown.
2018 Individuals Arithmetic Error: The source data reported 27 individuals added in 2018. However, given the Start of Period (155) and End of Period (189), the math ($155 + 27 = 182$) did not align. The 2019 register data confirms the previous year ended at 189 ($189 + 91 = 280$). To resolve the inconsistency and maintain the higher registration count, the 'Total Individuals Added' for 2018 was adjusted from 27 to 34.
Group Register Discontinuity (2018-2024): The register correctly identified 3 groups at the end of 2017. From 2018 onwards, the reported total groups dropped to 0 without any removals recorded. The data has been adjusted to carry forward these 3 groups across all subsequent years.
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
82
73
34
91
73
99
61
49
49
Part 1 — Groups Added
3
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Part 1 — Total Added
85
73
34
91
73
99
61
49
49
Part 1 — Cumulative
85
158
192
283
356
455
516
565
614
Part 2 — Individuals Added
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Part 2 — Groups Added
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Part 2 — Total Added
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Permissions Granted
0
31
82
67
82
75
59
46
24
Permissions — Cumulative
0
31
113
180
262
337
396
442
466
Permissions Matched to Base Period
180
82
75
59
46
24
0
0
0
Deficit/Surplus for Base Period
95
9
41
-32
-27
-75
-61
-49
-49
Unusable Surplus Permissions
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Outstanding Demand
0
0
0
0
0
0
50
99
148
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
No
Financial viability test
Requires proof of ability to complete a build
No
Registration fee
Charges a fee to join the register
No
Support measures
South Hams 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 South Hams'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.