How it works
Your Right to Build
The Local Self Build Register acts as a formal registration hub for applications to the ‘Right to Build’ registers of selected local authorities in England. This means that if you want to register your interest in a self of custom build plot in England, you can use our service to either register directly with any local authority that is signed up to our service.
We also act as a catalyst for change, helping create more opportunities for self build, custom build and community-led housing by collecting and publishing statistics on demand for these types of housing. So you can still help us create change by leaving your details here, even if you don’t complete a formal registration with a local authority.
How does it work?
All local authorities in England – including both local councils and National Park Authorities – must have a register of interest set up. Some are using the Local Self Build Register to gather this information, while others have set up their own registers.
The regulations stipulate that local registers are open to anyone over the age of 18 who is either a British Citizen or national of an EEA state or of Switzerland. It is possible to apply as an individual, a couple or an association (i.e. a group of people wanting to build homes together). You are only eligible to be added if you plan to build a home that you will live in as your primary residence – so this excludes housing developers who plan to sell their homes and people wanting to build a holiday home.
When you fill in your details, we will tell you which local authorities that you selected are using our service and which are using their own systems, to make it easier for you to go directly to the right place to register. New applicants will also receive an automated response to let them know whether their registration has been successful.
What can I do to make sure my name is on the list in places where I’d like to build?
If you want to register with any local authority that is not using the Local Self Build Register, we strongly recommend that you visit their website and follow their instructions to register directly with them.
What will happen once I’ve been accepted onto my local register?
The legislation stipulates that local authorities in England have a three-year deadline to grant planning permission with respect to a sufficient number of serviced plots for self-build and custom housebuilding that were requested until the end of each Base Period (which ends each year on on 30th October). They will calculate this number using data from their local registers. So once you are on your local register, your details should count towards this total.
Note that local authorities are not obliged to offer plots directly to people on their registers – although they may do, depending on the council. We recommend that you still need to look out for plots and take action if you want to buy one.
What about elsewhere in the UK?
Councils in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own separate mechanisms to assess demand for self and custom build. You’ll need to get in touch with councils in those areas directly if you are interested in registering your interest with them.
Why should I register?
Legislation requires local authorities in England to keep a register of people interested in self and custom build and to grant planning permission for the number of homes requested.
Joining the Local Self Build Register allows you to register directly with local authorities that are using this service. You can leave details of your specific needs and wishes – for example, where you want to build and what size and type of home you’d like.
If you meet the eligibility criteria, local authorities will use the information you submit to determine how many self build plots will need to be made available during the following three years – and also to guide other aspects of their local planning and housing policy. They may also get in touch with you directly to inform you of self and custom build opportunities in the local area.
You can also choose to receive the Local Self Build Register newsletter to be kept up to date with other self build and custom build opportunities that are relevant for you.
Please note that not all local authorities have chosen to receive data from the Local Self Build Register. When you select which local authorities you are interested in, we will tell you whether or not they are using this service. If they are not, you’ll need to go to their own websites to register.