What is the Self-build and Custom Housebuilding register?
Following the Self-build and Custom Housebuilding Act 2015, the Council maintains a register that is used to identify and assess the level of demand for self-build and custom housebuilding in Wealden District. By registering your interest, the Council is able to find out more about the location, plot size and type of self-build and custom build houses required. The register will be used to help inform forthcoming policies relating to this type of housebuilding. Registering on the Council’s Self-build and Custom Housebuilding Register does not guarantee that a suitable plot will be identified for those specifically on the register.
Who can apply?
Applicants must meet all of the eligibility criteria for entry on the register. Each individual applicant and every member of an association of individuals that applies for entry on the register must be:
- aged 18 or older
- a British citizen, a national of a EEA State other than the United Kingdom, or a national of Switzerland; and
- seeking (either alone or with others) to enquire a serviced plot of land in the relevant authority’s area to build a house to occupy as that individual’s sole or main residence.
How to apply
If you would like to register your interest, please complete the Self-build and Custom Build Registration Form Individuals who wish to register as an association must appoint a member or officer to act as the lead contact for the purposes of correspondence. Further information on self-build and custom housebuilding is available on the Government’s website.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering building your own home, then please register your interest with us.
Your registration provides the Council with an understanding of the demand for self-build and custom build plots across the District and enables us to support your needs through planning policy. Please read the Self Build Questions and Answers for more information.
Summary of Wealden District Council’s Self Build Register Updated 1st October 2024
Individuals and Associations on the Register
At present, there are 280 individuals enrolled on the self-build and custom housebuilding register. All individual entries to the register were made after 31st March 2016 onwards.
Time/Base Period | Number of Applicants |
31st March 2016 – 30th October 2016 | 2 |
31st October 2016 – 30th October 2017 | 24 |
31st October 2017 – 30th October 2018 | 24 |
31st October 2018 – 30th October 2019 | 21 |
31st October 2019 – 30th October 2020 | 33 |
31st October 2020 – 30th October 2021 | 44 |
31st October 2021 – 30th October 2022 | 37 |
31st October 2022 – 30th October 2023 | 51 |
31st October 2023 – 30th October 2024 | 44 |
One association is currently enrolled on the self-build and custom housebuilding register with three members.
Number of serviced plots of land sought
All applications to the register have been received from individuals. As a result, those on the register seek 236 serviced plots of land as 44 applicants already own a plot of land suitable for a self or custom build project.
General location within the authority’s area
51% of applications to the register originate from within the Wealden District, with 13% of applications from other Districts within East Sussex and the remaining 37% from Districts outside of East Sussex. 39% of applicants to the register have expressed an interest in building in a town or urban settlement, 65% expressed an interest in a village location, 10% are interested in living in a rural area and 28% have expressed an interest in a general area of the district. The most popular settlement choices in descending order are Crowborough, Heathfield, Uckfield, Hailsham and Forest Row.
Plot size demand
Plot size demand from those on the register varies, but 61% of applicants are interested in a plot of land under 1,500 square metres in size. 30% of individuals listed on the register are seeking a plot of land under 500 square metres, whilst 13% are interested in a plot of land 500-999 square metres in size and 18% are seeking a plot of land between 1,000-1,499 square metre in size. A plot of land of at least 2,000 square metres in size has only been demanded by 23% of applicants and a further 5% stated they would consider a plot of land of any size.
Type of housing required
Applicants to the register were able to state the type of house they are interested in building and they could express an interest in multiple house types. 96% of applicants on the register expressed an interest in building a detached house, with 75% of applicants solely wanting to build a detached dwelling. 14% of applicants expressed an interest in a semi-detached dwelling, 5% expressed an interest in a terraced house and 3% were found to have an interest in constructing a flat/apartment.
With regards to the number of bedrooms required by each applicant, 3% are interested in a dwelling with at least one bedroom, 15% are interested in a minimum of a two-bedroom dwelling, 31% are seeking a dwelling with at least three bedrooms, 41% are interested in at least a four bedroom dwelling and 10% are looking to build a dwelling with at least five bedrooms.