According to the latest government figures, planning applications in England have fallen to their lowest level in at least 16 years. The statistics were published by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities and show that in 2022 local authorities received fewer applications to improve homes, or build new ones, than at any stage before 2006, when such records began. Between October and December 2022, planning authorities in England received 93,100 applications, which is 13% less than during the same period in 2021. Industry experts believe that the lack of new planning applications could lead to an even greater housing shortage in the coming years.
IMAGE: GRANDECO