Surrey Heath Self-Build Register Data

Surrey Heath has an outstanding deficit of 340 plots

Since 2016, 599 people have registered interest in self-build here. Surrey Heath has permitted 62 plots.

Part 1 registrations

406

legal duty applies

Part 2 registrations

193

local eligibility

Plots permitted

since 2016

Current deficit

340

Period 7 (2022)

People on Surrey Heath's self build register

Each icon represents 10 people on the self build register.

People on Surrey Heath's self build register

599

Part 1: 406Part 2: 193

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

2016 Missing Data: The 2016 entry lacked start, end, and breakdown figures. These were derived assuming the register started at 0 and all additions (145) were Part 1 (pre-legislation split).
2017 Total Discrepancy: The reported Total End (255) did not match the Start (145) + Added (168) = 313. To prioritize the "Added" figures as requested, the End Total was adjusted to 313.
2018 Data Gap & Removal: Large discrepancy found. Start (313) + Added (71) = 384, but End was 294. This implies 90 removals/transfers, likely due to the introduction of the Local Connection Test. Part 1/Part 2 additions were derived (11/60) to fit the end-state ratios.
2019-2022 Missing Breakdowns: These years lacked specific Part 1/Part 2 start and added figures. These were derived mathematically to ensure the Start + Added - Removed = End formula held true for both sub-registers.
2021 Anomaly: A massive shift from Part 1 to Part 2 occurred (Part 1 dropping from 112 to 5), coinciding with the introduction of the Financial Viability Test. This was modelled as high removals/transfers from Part 1 and high additions to Part 2.
2023 Start Inconsistency: The 2023 entry listed Part 1 Start as 4 and Part 2 Start as 469, which contradicted the 2022 End figures (Part 1: 8, Part 2: 463). The Starts were corrected to match 2022, and the "Removed" figures were adjusted (Part 1: 6, Part 2: 3) to ensure the final End totals matched the reported data.

Summary of Corrections

2016-2022: Derived missing "Start", "Added", and "Removed" breakdowns for Part 1 and Part 2 individuals and groups.
2017: Updated total_individuals_end_of_period from 255 to 313.
2019: Derived total_groups_added as 7 to explain the jump from 1 to 8 groups.
2023: Corrected part_1_individuals_start_of_period (4 -> 8) and part_2_individuals_start_of_period (469 -> 463). Adjusted removal figures to reconcile the arithmetic.

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	145	168	11	34	38	0	3	2	2
Part 1 — Groups Added	1	0	0	2	0	0	0	0	0
Part 1 — Total Added	146	168	11	36	38	0	3	2	2
Part 1 — Cumulative	146	314	325	361	399	399	402	404	406
Part 2 — Individuals Added	0	0	60	27	30	64	1	2	4
Part 2 — Groups Added	0	0	0	5	0	0	0	0	0
Part 2 — Total Added	0	0	60	32	30	64	1	2	4
Permissions Granted	0	0	0	9	10	13	11	7	12
Permissions — Cumulative	0	0	0	9	19	32	43	50	62
Permissions Matched to Base Period	9	10	13	11	7	12	0	0	0
Deficit/Surplus for Base Period	-137	-158	2	-25	-31	12	-3	-2	-2
Unusable Surplus Permissions	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	7
Outstanding Demand	137	295	293	318	349	337	340	342	351

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

Yes

Support measures

Surrey Heath 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 Surrey Heath'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.