Architects are facing project delays due to slow planning processes, according to the latest RIBA Future Trends survey
For several months, architects have been reporting concerns about the impact on projects caused by delays in the processing of planning applications.
The key findings are:
- 30% of practices report some projects being delayed by six months or more
- 7% report some projects being abandoned
- 39% report some projects being delayed by up to a month
- 60% report some projects being delayed by between one and six months
- 22% report no projects delayed or abandoned.
In July 2021 the overall RIBA Future Trends Workload Index remained in strongly positive territory, returning a balance figure of +27.
Actual workloads are 12% up on a year ago. 36% of practices expect workloads to grow in the coming three months, 55% expect them to remain the same, and 9% expect them to decrease.
Workload is expected to increase in three of the four workloads sectors – private housing, commercial, and the public sector. Pessimism about future work is only to be found in the community sector.
All regions continue to expect workloads to increase in the next three months, as do all practice sizes.
‘Planning departments must be fully resourced to deal with the backlog’
Adrian Malleson, head of economic research and analysis at RIBA, said: “Overall, the July Future Trends survey shows a sustained and broad-based confidence in the profession, as recovery gathers pace.
“Practices are reporting healthy enquiry levels and projects scheduled for up to a year ahead. Many practices are actively recruiting to meet the new levels of demand.
“Significant issues remain, however, regarding affordable and suitably comprehensive Professional Indemnity Insurance, product availability and attendant inflationary pressures, local authority delays in processing planning applications and site and practice staffing shortages.
“The RIBA has been actively lobbying the government around planning delays. There have been some useful reforms including digitisation that have come about as a result, but we do need to see planning departments fully resourced to deal with this ongoing backlog.
“The RIBA is having regular conversations with MHCLG, the ARB and politicians to highlight the urgent need for action to address issues in the Professional Indemnity Insurance market. The rise in cost combined with the reduction in the scope of coverage is deeply concerning.
“We will use the upcoming debates on the Building Safety Bill to push the government to look at options for reform.
“RIBA is reporting findings to government and working with other bodies in the built environment to monitor ongoing trends.
“We continue to be on hand, providing support and resources to our members as they navigate these challenging times.”
