Planning applications in England rose 2% from 108,400 to 111,100 during the last quarter of 2014, when compared to the same period the previous year. The amount of permissions granted amounted to 88,900, up 4% on Q4 in 2013.

The statistics have been released today by the Department for Communities and Local Government and cover October to December 2014.


Of all applications received during the period, 87% we granted, down 1% from Q4 in 2013.

77% of major applications were decided with 13 weeks of the agreed time, up from 74% in 2013, while 7% more residential decisions were made in comparison to the same period.

Over the year ending December 2014, district level planning authorities granted 354,000 permissions, marking a 2% rise on the year to December 2013. 88% of decisions were granted over the year, unchanged from 2013.

Of 8,500 applications reported for prior approval for permitted development rights during October to December 2014, prior approval was not required for 4,800, while permission was granted for 2,000 and refused for 1,800.

(IT/MH)