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Swale Self-Build Register Data
Swale has an outstanding deficit of 112 plots
Since 2016, 133 people have registered interest in self-build here. Swale has permitted 7 plots.
Part 1 registrations
133
legal duty applies
Part 2 registrations
0
local eligibility
Plots permitted
7
since 2016
Current deficit
112
Period 7 (2022)
People on Swale's self build register
Each icon represents one person on the self build register.
People on Swale's self build register
133
No registrations recorded
Part 1: 133Part 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 (2016-2022): The breakdown of individuals and groups into Part 1 and Part 2 was missing for most years. As the Local Connection Test was not implemented (or set to false) during these periods, all individuals and groups were assigned to Part 1.
- 2019 Group Data Missing: The number of groups added was missing in 2019. This was derived as 2 to be consistent with the start count (0) and end count (2).
- 2019 Individual Totals Mismatch: The reported end total was 62, but the calculated total (Start 53 + Added 10) is 63. Adjusted to 63 to prioritize the 'Added' count.
- 2020 Individual Totals Mismatch: The reported end total was 85, but the calculated total (Start 63 + Added 18) is 81. Adjusted to 81 to maintain arithmetic consistency from the previous year.
- 2021 Individual Totals Mismatch: The reported end total was 102, but the calculated total (Start 81 + Added 20) is 101. Adjusted to 101.
- 2022 Individual Totals Mismatch: The reported end total was 113, but the calculated total (Start 101 + Added 14) is 115. Adjusted to 115.
- 2022 Group Totals Mismatch: The reported end total was 5, but the calculated total (Start 3 + Added 1) is 4. Adjusted to 4.
- Ripple Effects (2023-2024): Due to the corrections above, the Start and End totals for 2023 and 2024 were adjusted to ensure the running totals remained consistent with the previous years' calculated endings.
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 | 7 | 31 | 15 | 10 | 18 | 20 | 14 | 9 | 5 |
| Part 1 — Groups Added | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Part 1 — Total Added | 7 | 31 | 15 | 12 | 19 | 20 | 15 | 9 | 5 |
| Part 1 — Cumulative | 7 | 38 | 53 | 65 | 84 | 104 | 119 | 128 | 133 |
| 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 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Permissions — Cumulative | 0 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Permissions Matched to Base Period | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Deficit/Surplus for Base Period | -3 | -30 | -15 | -12 | -17 | -20 | -15 | -9 | -5 |
| Unusable Surplus Permissions | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Outstanding Demand | 3 | 33 | 48 | 60 | 77 | 97 | 112 | 121 | 126 |
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
Swale 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 Swale'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.