Applications in England down 21 per cent

The number of planning applications received by district level planning authorities in England fell by 21 per cent compared to the same quarter a year ago, according to the latest figures released under the auspices of the UK Statistics Authority.

These statistics also indicated that district level planning authorities saw a decrease of 27 per cent in the number of applications decided (granted or refused) when compared with the same quarter in 2008.

All regions, including national park authorities, experienced a decline in planning applications received.

The largest decrease (24 per cent) was recorded in the South West while the lowest decrease (16 per cent) was noted in the West Midlands. In the case of national parks, applications were down by 14 per cent.

In respect of determinations the biggest falls were in the North East and the North West where the numbers dropped by 30 per cent. The lowest decrease was in London.

Decisions on planning applications for residential developments i.e. dwellings decreased by 37 per cent over that period while decisions on major residential developments (10 or more dwellings) fell by 46 per cent.

The percentage of major applications determined within the 13-week target was 71 per cent compared with 72 per cent last year.

Authorities that undertake county level planning activity determined 302 applications; this represented a 19 per cent fall on the activity noted 12 months ago.