MHCLG releases its Q2 2024 factsheet on planning applications in England

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government have released its factsheet for planning applications in England from April to June 2024 which worryingly identifies the number of applications received to be amongst the lowest since recordings began in 2006, dropping by 9% since 2023.  

The results also tell us that the number of residential developments being granted permission has seen a 5% fall, with commercial permissions also falling by 9% since last year.

On a positive note, the percentage of applications being granted consistently remains at 86% and we can see an improvement across all application types being decided within time.

With consultation on the 2024 National Planning Policy Framework just coming to a close, we ask the question, are the changes proposed enough to help Labour accelerate application submissions and bolster positive results to achieve its manifesto target of 1.5 million new homes this parliament?  At the moment, the facts aren’t adding up…