A recent report from the government reveals that the number of housing projects receiving planning permission in England reached a historic low in 2024. Only slightly over 30,000 projects, varying from individual homes to extensive housing developments, were approved. This represents the lowest yearly total since records began in 1979, marking a decline from the previous year.
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has committed to delivering 1.5 million new homes before the upcoming general election, emphasizing the importance of an increase in planning applications as an initial positive indicator. Although the numbers are discouraging, industry experts remain cautiously optimistic, noting the government’s determination to prioritize construction despite acknowledging the challenges of reforming the planning system.
Labour’s proposed strategies include empowering councils with additional authority to seize land and expedite the building process. The figures released also indicate a record low in decisions related to housing in 2024, encompassing both approvals and rejections. It is important to note that these statistics do not reflect the number of individual homes but rather the overall scope of the projects approved.
Analysis conducted by BBC Verify shows a decline in the completion of new homes during the latter part of 2024. Every region in England has been assigned specific targets for new housing developments annually, with some areas required to surpass their typical output by more than five times. As the industry navigates these challenges, stakeholders are encouraged by the government’s commitment to address barriers and facilitate a more efficient planning process for developers
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