Third quarter figures show continuation of weak approvals

The number of planning permissions granted in the three months to September 2011 was 10% down on the previous year, according to the latest figures from the Home Builders’ Federation.

The HBF said its quarterly housing pipeline report showed that just 32,500 homes were given planning permission in the third quarter, up 13% on the previous three months, but down from 38,500 in the same period last year.

The number of units approved in the first nine months of the year is 17% down on the corresponding period in 2010. The number of social housing units was 58% down on the third quarter of 2010.

Stewart Baseley, executive chairman of the HBF, said: “These figures demonstrate clearly why government must stand firm and deliver a robust planning system that provides enough land to meet the nation’s housing needs.

“Its recent Housing Strategy contained some very positive measures, but if they are to bear fruit, the planning system must be fit for purpose.”

The report was prepared for the HBF by data company Glenigan.

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