Planning applications hit five-year low: research

The number of new planning applications for housebuilding has fallen to a five-year low, according to research compiled by the Home Builders Federation (HBF), which has called on the government to ensure that its imminent new National Planning Policy Framework remains “pro growth”.

According to the research, 115,000 permissions were granted in 2011 – half the level recorded when the survey was first undertaken in 2006. Approvals for social housing units fell by 52% over the same period to 16,334.

The current number of approvals, the HBF said, was half the number required to meet demand. 

Stewart Baseley, Executive Chairman of the HBF, said: “This is a stark reminder as to why Government must stand firm and deliver a robust and adequate planning system. Government has recently unveiled some very positive measures aimed at boosting housing supply, particularly the NewBuy scheme, but they cannot succeed unless we have a truly pro-growth functioning planning system.

“The new system must provide enough viable land to build the number of homes the country needs. Continuing the current record low level of house-building is storing up huge social and economic problems for the years ahead and the shortfall must be addressed."

Baseley added: “Building the homes we need would take millions off social housing waiting lists and enable beleaguered first time buyers to get a foot on the ladder. It could also create half a million new jobs, and give the country a huge economic boost.”

The government's draft National Planning Policy Framework, published for consultation in July last year, met with considerable protest from groups such as the National Trust. The government's response to the consultation is due shortly.

A copy of the HBF research can be downloaded here.