Self-build and custom housebuilding

What is the Self-Build Register?

We keep a register of people who are interested in carrying out their own self-build or custom build projects. This helps us understand the demand for such projects within our districts.

The Self-Build and Custom Housebuilding Guidance states 'Authorities can choose to work together to publicise and promote their registers and have a single application form provided it is clear which authority the application is being made to.'

Our self-build registers were created in October 2015.

How to join The Self-Build and Custom Build Register

When registering your interest, you are not making a commitment, the information is used to understand local demand.

To be eligible to register, you, or all members of the group/association an entrant represents, must be:

• aged 18 or over
• a British citizen, a national of an EEA State other than the UK, or a national of Switzerland
• seeking (either alone or with others) to acquire a serviced plot of land to build a house to occupy as their sole or main residence

Registration does not mean that a suitable plot will be identified for you.

For more information on the Local Connection Test.

Apply to register your interest for a self or custom build project

How many people/groups have joined the self-build register?

Visit the Mid Suffolk register

Where do you publish data on the supply of and demand for self-build plots?

We monitor the number of self and custom build plots that are granted planning permission each year.

Our Authority Monitoring Report (AMR) includes the number of individuals and associations of individuals on the register, as well as the number of plots secured through planning permissions which have either been restricted by planning condition or planning obligation, or have received a Community Infrastructure Levy Form 7 part 2 as demonstration of self-build status. 

How do you identify that a planning permission for self-build and custom housebuilding meets the legislative definitions?

We require evidence of self-build status within the planning application documents. For example:-

• Does application form include self-build in description or is reference made in Section 17 of the form? 
• Do the other application documents provide any indication of self-build?
• Does the level of detail include how the applicant/client has had primary input into the layout/design?
• Has a Unilateral Undertaking been submitted or does the Section 106 agreement include self-build obligations

For further information on Mid Suffolk self-build developments.

Are you providing enough permissions to meet the demand identified on the registers?

Mid Suffolk Supply and Demand data

How do you alert individuals and groups on the Register of any self-build and custom housebuilding permissions it grants?

We forward marketing details, when requested by the developers or providers, of the self-build plots to individuals and groups on the self-build register.

How have you publicised the existence of its Self-Build and Custom Housebuilding Register?

We publish details on our websites and also regularly promote the Registers via our social media channels

Additional information

The following sources are external websites, unless otherwise stated. They are provided as a guide only.

The following sites could be useful when seeking a plot:

• Plot Finder
• Self Build Portal
• Build Store plot search
• Plot Browser
• Rightmove

Planning Portal provides a range of guidance and information on self-build projects, from considering the location, submitting planning permissions and acquiring land, as well as financing a project. It can also be used to connect self and custom builders with local trades and skill providers:

For information on different types of self-build - and to learn what could be best for you and your budget - visit:

• Self Build Portal
• The National Custom and Self Build Association
• Planning Portal