In October 58,963 planning applications were submitted, an increase of 23% compared to the previous year, according to the latest report from the Planning Portal
November’s ‘Market Insight Report’ from the Planning Portal provides further insight into this most unusual of years, where planning application patterns are deviating from the usual trends.
Yet again, last month’s planning application numbers were particularly high, almost equal to the number received in July 2020 (the highest on record).
Against October last year, applications were up 23%, and moving into November applications usually begin to tail off as we get closer to the end of the year. Whether this will be the case this year with further restrictions in place remains to be seen.
However, it is householder applications that are driving this rise, up 43% year on year.
The Planning Portal facilitates 90% of all planning applications in England and Wales, offering a unique insight into the planning data.
November’s report also delves into who is submitting applications, exploring in detail the split between submissions made directly by the applicant and those made by an agent.
Industry recovery
Scott Alford, head of business development at the Planning Portal, said: “The number of Full Planning and associated consents is on a par with those made in October 2019.
“In addition, outline consents are down 5% in comparison to last year.
This could indicate an instability in this sector of the market, as we are not yet seeing full confidence return from investors whilst the coronavirus pandemic is ongoing and new restrictions are coming into play.”
Read the full report here.
