The latest information suggests a record low across England regarding getting planning permissions for conversions and new homes. HBF, the Home Builders Federation, stated that in the initial half of 2023, the number of dwellings approved for planning permission was down 19%; this shows the continued acute decline. Should this trend persist, the housing supply in England could fall to levels not seen in over a decade. The government has presented figures that show that 264,000 houses were built in the last year; this falls short of what was promised in the 2019 Conservative manifesto, which stated that by mid-2020, the Conservatives would be building 300,000 homes per year.

The HBF said, alarmingly, data confirmed industry warnings during this “anti-development” policy situation and worsening economic environment, the number of planning applications being submitted could fall to catastrophic levels. According to the report, 2456 housing developments were approved for planning permission during the second quarter of 2023. This figure is down 10% from the previous quarter, 20% from the same time last year and the lowest level since records began in 2006.

If you have had planning issues or have a property or piece of land  which could benefit from planning, please feel free to contact the team at First Choice Investments, where we can purchase a scheme from you or assist you with the process.