South Somerset has an outstanding deficit of 35 plots
Since 2016, 247 people have registered interest in self-build here. South Somerset has permitted 617 plots.
Part 1 registrations
247
legal duty applies
Part 2 registrations
0
local eligibility
Plots permitted
617
since 2016
Current deficit
35
Period 7 (2022)
People on South Somerset's self build register
Each icon represents one person on the self build register.
People on South Somerset's self build register
247
No registrations recorded
Part 1: 247Part 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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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
Year
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
Part 1 — Individuals Added
31
38
29
21
18
65
22
23
Part 1 — Groups Added
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Part 1 — Total Added
31
38
29
21
18
65
22
23
Part 1 — Cumulative
31
69
98
119
137
202
224
247
Part 2 — Individuals Added
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Part 2 — Groups Added
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Part 2 — Total Added
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Permissions Granted
0
327
148
31
41
13
38
19
Permissions — Cumulative
0
327
475
506
547
560
598
617
Permissions Matched to Base Period
506
41
13
38
19
0
0
0
Deficit/Surplus for Base Period
475
3
-16
17
1
-65
-22
-23
Unusable Surplus Permissions
0
296
110
2
20
0
0
0
Outstanding Demand
0
0
0
0
0
13
35
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.
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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 Somerset 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 South Somerset'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.
