Planning permission reaches five-year peak amid calls for streamlining of process

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  • 29/04/2016
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Planning permission reaches five-year peak amid calls for streamlining of process
The level of planning permission granted last year was at its highest point since 2008, industry analysis has found.

Initial planning permission was granted for 255,032 homes in England in 2015, research by the House Builders Federation (HBF) and Glenigan showed. This represented a 57% rise from a low of 162,204 in 2009. Permissions granted in Q4 2015 were up 13% on the same period the previous year to 74,759.

Over 180,000 new homes were added to housing stock in 2014/2015, up 22% on the previous year, in response to buyer demand.

Stewart Baseley, executive chairman of the HBF, said: “The number of planning applications now being submitted demonstrates the commitment of the industry to deliver further increases in housing supply.

“Whilst the increase in the number of permissions is welcome, and a strong indicator of future supply, many still have to navigate the complexities of the planning system.”

He said permissions needed to be processed more quickly so that the demand for new housing could be met and encouraged the government to streamline the planning process to ensure local authorities have the capacity to deal with applications more quickly.

Allan Wilén, economics director, head of business market intelligence at Glenigan said the rise in planning approvals during the closing months of 2015  bodes well for housebuilding activity during the current year.

“The expanded development pipeline will help housebuilders to meet any strengthening in demand from house buyers,” he said.

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