But permissions still short of number needed to meet demand, HBF warns

Housing

Planning approvals for new homes in Britain rose 36% in the third quarter of 2012, figures from the Home Builders Federation reveal.

Approvals were granted for 33,881 homes in Q3 up from 24,872 in the previous quarter and up 17% on Q3 of 2011.

However, the Home Builders Federation (HBF) said the rate still fell short of the 60,000 approvals needed to meet demand.

The results come just months after the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) was introduced in March, giving councils greater control over planning in their area.

Stewart Baseley, executive chair of the HBF, said the results were “hopefully a reflection of the positive planning principles of the new system”.

“It is just one quarterly increase and we are still well short of the number needed but we hope it starts a trend that will continue in 2013,” he said. 

“The new system must provide enough viable land to build the number of homes the country needs. Continuing the current low level of house-building is storing up huge social and economic problems for the years ahead and the shortfall must be addressed.”

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