Wiltshire Self-Build Register Data

Wiltshire has an outstanding deficit of 593 plots

Since 2016, 1,142 people have registered interest in self-build here. Wiltshire has permitted 503 plots.

Part 1 registrations

1,142

legal duty applies

Part 2 registrations

local eligibility

Plots permitted

503

since 2016

Current deficit

593

Period 7 (2022)

People on Wiltshire's self build register

Each icon represents 10 people on the self build register.

People on Wiltshire's self build register

1,142

No registrations recorded

Part 1: 1,142Part 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

Original

Adjusted

Summary of Errors Found

Missing Part 1/Part 2 Breakdowns (All Years): The original data did not split figures between Part 1 and Part 2. As local_connection_test was consistently false (or implied false in earlier years), all individuals and groups were assigned to Part 1, and Part 2 was set to 0.
2018 Individual Totals Discrepancy: The reported Total Individuals End of Period (363) did not match the calculated flow: Start (236) + Added (118) = 354. The figure was corrected to 354 to ensure mathematical consistency with the added figures.
2019-2022 Cumulative Count Discrepancy: From 2019 onwards, the reported 'Total Individuals End of Period' figures dropped significantly (e.g., from 354 down to 223 in 2019) without any corresponding 'Removed' data to explain the decrease. To prioritize the 'Added' numbers and provide an accurate cumulative total, the Start and End totals for 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022 were recalculated derived from the previous year's balance plus additions.
2024 Group Totals Discrepancy: The 2024 data reported 0 groups for both Start and End of period, despite the register ending with 2 groups in 2023. These were corrected to 2 to maintain the historic record.

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	81	155	118	90	81	155	338	68	54
Part 1 — Groups Added	1	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0
Part 1 — Total Added	82	155	119	90	81	155	338	68	54
Part 1 — Cumulative	82	237	356	446	527	682	1,020	1,088	1,142
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	158	49	57	35	50	37	39	78
Permissions — Cumulative	0	158	207	264	299	349	386	425	503
Permissions Matched to Base Period	264	35	50	37	39	78	0	0	0
Deficit/Surplus for Base Period	182	-120	-69	-53	-42	-77	-338	-68	-54
Unusable Surplus Permissions	0	76	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Outstanding Demand	0	14	83	136	178	255	593	661	715

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

Wiltshire 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 Wiltshire'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.