• Regional approval rates ranged from 82 % in London to 91 % in the North East

Decision Speed (April–June 2024)

• 91 % of major applications were decided on time (within 13 weeks or agreed timeframe), up slightly from the previous year

• Only 20 % were processed within the statutory 13 weeks without extension

Recent Trends in Planning Applications

• Quarter 3 (Jul–Sep 2024): 81,600 applications — down 7 % year-on-year Full-year 2024:

  • 330,500 applications received (−8 % vs 2023)

  • 271,600 decisions granted (−7 %)

Planning Permissions for New Homes (Q1 2025)

• Just 39,170 new home approvals — 55 % below the previous quarter and 32 % down year-on-year.

• Annual rolling approvals sit at 225,067, the lowest since 2012

• Represents a significant challenge for housing targets of 300,000 homes/year under the Labour government’s 1.5 million by 2029 pledge

Key Insights for Landlords & Agents

• Planning applications are continuing to decline nationally, with fewer new home approvals.

• While approval rates remain high, processing times vary, particularly for major developments.

• Landlords and agents in areas with falling planning activity may face slower development-led supply, potentially affecting future rental stock.

• Watch for new Planning and Infrastructure Bill reforms designed to speed up delivery — these may help accelerate project timelines in future.