Applications still in decline

Latest quarterly statistics from English district level planning authorities has shown that applications were down by 12 per cent on the corresponding figure a year ago.

All regions, including national park authorities, saw a decrease in the number of planning applications received when compared with the same quarter a year ago. The largest decreases were in the East Midlands and West Midlands (both 14 per cent) while the lowest decrease was in London (nine per cent). National park authorities also saw a decrease of five per cent.

The downward trend was also noted in respect of determinations which were 18 per cent lower than 12 months ago.

District level planning authorities determined 111,600 planning applications in the September quarter with the largest decrease in the North West (22 per cent). Other large decreases were in the North East (21 per cent) and the South West (20 per cent). The lowest decrease was in London (16 per cent). The National parks also saw an overall decrease of four per cent.

The figures showed that some 85 per cent of all decisions in the September quarter 2009 were granted, an increase of two percentage points compared with the September quarter 2008. Approval rates across the region ranged from 79 per cent in London to 93 per cent in the North East. 

Decisions made on householder developments were down by 24 per cent from 68,300 in the September quarter 2008 to 51,700 in the September quarter 2009 and accounted for 46 per cent of all decisions. Decisions on applications for residential developments decreased from 17,500 in the September quarter 2008 to 12,700 in the September quarter 2009, a decrease of 27 per cent.

In the September quarter 2009, authorities granted 71 per cent of major residential applications and determined 68 per cent of them within 13 weeks. Also 69 per cent of decisions on minor residential applications were granted and 74 per cent determined within eight weeks

In the year ending September 2009, 71 per cent of major applications were processed within 13 weeks, nine percentage points short of the target of 80 per cent by 2011

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Roger Milne

14 January 2010