Number of Applications for Planning Permission Begins to Rise

As measures implemented to prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) have begun to ease, the volume of applications for planning permission submitted to the Planning Portal begins to grow. 

With a continued increase in planning permission applications expected, now is the best time to get in contact with us to get your project underway.

Planning applications of all types fell on average by 3.5 per cent in March and 18.5 per cent in April in England and Wales. However, as people were allowed to move around a bit more in May and some furloughed staff returned to work, the Planning Portal’s Planning Market Insider Report shows that figures for May were only 14 per cent below expected levels. 

The findings from the report show:

  • All regions have seen a growth in applications from April to May 2020, apart from the West Midlands and Wales, which fell again by 1 per cent and 3 per cent respectively.
  • Yorkshire and the Humber saw the biggest percentage increase, up 12 per cent compared with April.
  • Full planning applications, usually larger schemes or changes of use, declined further, down 24 per cent on expected seasonal volumes in May against a 23 per cent drop in April.
  • Householder applications, such as extensions and loft conversions, dipped 19 per cent in May compared with expected seasonal volumes, In April, it was down 21 per cent. 

It’s encouraging to see the market begin to lift so quickly after the easing of lockdown. Major construction sites reopening has certainly been a big driver, but we’ve also seen many of our consultancy customers returning staff from furlough and productivity picking up across the board.

Scott Alford, Head of Business Development at the Planning Portal.

With a continued increase in planning permission applications expected, now is the best time to get in contact with us to get your project underway! Find out about all the services we offer and contact us for more information:

[si-contact-form form=’1′]

Share this:

Facebook Twitter Pinterest
Skip to content