Planning permissions reach 8-year high in 2015

Planning permissions reached an 8-year high of 253,000 in 2015 according to figures published by the Department for Communities and Local Government.

Planning permissions reached an 8-year high of 253,000 in 2015 according to figures published by the Department for Communities and Local Government.

Construction analyst Glenigan found that 6% more homes were granted planning permission in 2015 – making it the busiest year since 2007.

The proportion of major applications processed quickly by local authorities reached a record 81%.

Despite the positive news government figures show that new housing starts totalled 143,560 in 2015, 19% below 2007 levels.

Brandon Lewis (pictured), minister of state for housing and planning, said: “Today’s figures are further good news for hard-working families and first-time buyers wanting to achieve their dream of home ownership with constructions rates up and plenty of homes in the pipeline.”