Self-build register
As part of the Self-build and Custom Housebuilding Act we must keep a register of people who are interested in building their own home. There is no registration fee to be on this register.
We use the register to find out more about the demand for self-build and custom plots in the district. We publish information about self-build each year in our Authority Monitoring Report.
To join the self-build register you must be:
- aged 18 or over
- either a British citizen, a national of a European Economic Area State, or a national of Switzerland
- seeking a plot of land in the district to build a house that will be your main home
You can join the self-build register as an individual or group, but all members of the group must meet the eligibility criteria. Groups should appoint one person as their main contact.
Local connection
The self-build register is in two parts. People with a local connection to the Folkestone & Hythe district will go on part one, as will members of the armed forces, even if they do not have a direct connection to the district. The number of people on part one of the register influences how many self and custom build plots we need to grant planning permission for. People who do not have a local connection will go on part two. The number of people on part two of the register influences wider policy decisions.
If you have a local connection you will be asked to upload evidence to complete this form. You can use a document or photo of any of the following as evidence:
If you are current resident
- council tax bill
- tenancy agreement
- utility bill
- driving licence
If you work in the district
- dated pay slips
- contract of employment
- a letter from your employer on headed paper
If you have immediate family in the district
- their council tax bill
- their tenancy agreement
- their utility bill
- their driving licence
If you have armed forces service
- military ID card
- discharge record
What you need to do
- log into your MyAccount (or create an account if you don't already have one) to complete the form. MyAccount is an easier and quicker way to interact with us and is available 24/7. For information about MyAccount visit the find out more page (opens in new window)
- provide supporting documents
Register for self or custom build plot
Monitoring
The most recent Custom and Self Build Monitoring report for the eighth base period can be found here.
Demand on the self-build register is measured against an annual 'base period'.
The first base period began on the day on which the register was established and ended on 30 October 2016.
Each subsequent base period is the period of 12 months beginning immediately after the end of the previous base period. The numbers on our register for the relevant base periods is shown below:
| Base Period | Dates of Base Period | Number on Part One | Number on Part Two | Total Number on Self-build Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
01/04/16 to 30/10/16 | 32 | - | 32 |
| 2 | 31/10/16 to 30/10/17 | 52 | - | 52 |
| 3 | 31/10/17 to 30/10/18 | 50 | - | 50 |
| 4 | 31/10/18 to 30/10/19 | 62 | - | 62 |
| 5 | 31/10/19 to 30/10/20 | 38 | - | 38 |
| 6 | 31/10/20 to 30/10/21 | 45 | 2 | 47 |
| 7 | 31/10/21 to 30/10/22 | 19 | 4 | 23 |
| 8 | 31/10/22 to 30/10/23 | 8 | 1 | 9 |
| Total | 306 | 7 | 313* | |
*Following the introduction of the Local Connection test in October 2021, the number of people who wished to remain on the register reduced significantly. As a result, there are currently 85 individuals or groups in total registered on our self-build register; with 76 on part one and 9 on part two (data correct in October 2023).
Plot Availability
Below is a list of sites that may be suitable for self-build or custom build projects in the Folkestone & Hythe District (Updated August 2024)
If you are looking to build your own home within the district, you can review the list of sites and contact the landowners of any sites that you are interested in to check availability and that the site is suitable for your needs.
| Site Address | Planning Application Ref. | Contact Details |
|---|---|---|
| Land Rear Rhodes House, Main Road, Sellindge, TN25 6JA | Y21/0279/FH |
Quinn Homes, Highland Court Farm, Bridge, Canterbury, Kent, CT4 5HW Tel: 01227 831212 Visit Quinn Homes |
Please note: The Council is not providing an estate agency or conveyancing service. All negotiations and sales processes should take place between landowners and buyers. We recommend that anyone who is seeking to sell or buy land obtains independent professional valuations and legal advice (from a solicitor or estate agent).
Whilst all sites on the list are considered suitable for housing, and generally have planning permission, you may still need to apply for detailed planning permission for your specific proposals.
If you are a landowner and would like to add your site to the list, then please contact the Strategy & Policy Team by emailing planning.policy@folkestone-hythe.gov.uk
Further information
Both the Planning Portal and GOV.UK provide comprehensive information on self-build and custom build projects. You can also visit the Self Build Portal which has a number of interactive guides.