Understanding how local planning works is essential if you’re involved in property development or simply looking to secure planning permission for your next project. In this blog, we’ll break down the latest updates on local planning performance across England, Northern Ireland, and Scotland in 2024, while offering practical tips to navigate the system. Let’s dive in!
What Is Local Planning?
Local planning refers to the process of managing land use and development at a local level. It involves submitting applications to your local council for approval and adhering to statutory requirements for things like housing, infrastructure, and environmental impact.
Planning permission is often a crucial step for developers, and it’s essential to understand how long the process may take and what factors could influence decision times.
England: Planning Performance in 2024
Statutory Time Limits
Major applications: Statutory time limit is 13 weeks.
Minor applications: Statutory time limit is 8 weeks.
Actual Decision Times
While statutory limits are in place, actual decision times often exceed these targets:
Minor applications: 82% were decided within 8 weeks or an agreed extended time in Q2 2022.
Major applications: Only 20% were decided within the 13-week statutory limit in 2024.
Key Statistics (April to June 2024)
91% of major applications were decided within 13 weeks or an agreed extended time (a slight improvement from 2023).
84,400 applications for planning permission were received, a 9% drop compared to the same period in 2023.
Approval rate remained steady at 86%, with 70,200 decisions granted.
Local Authority Performance
- Bristol City Council (as of October 2024): New planning applications were being allocated within approximately 1 week of validation. Consultations with neighbours and technical consultees were launched within 1 to 2 weeks of validation.
- Bromsgrove District Council: Detailed determination timescales were reported for Quarter 2 of 2024, but specific figures are not provided in the search results.
- East Suffolk Council: Published annual reports in July 2024 containing various statistics on applications and enforcement cases
Scotland: Planning Performance in 2024
In Scotland, the planning system has shown relatively better performance compared to other parts of the UK:
The average decision time for local applications in 2018/19 was 8.9 weeks, and similar performance trends are expected in 2024.
Northern Ireland: Planning Performance in 2024
In the first six months of 2023/24:
-
Local applications: Average processing time was 19.2 weeks, exceeding the 15-week target.
-
Major applications: Average processing time was 34.7 weeks, slightly above the 30-week target.
Why Are Planning Decisions Taking Longer?
Several challenges continue to impact planning performance across the UK:
-
Understaffing: Many councils face staffing shortages, leading to delays.
-
Extensions of Time: Councils often use agreed extensions to avoid breaching statutory deadlines.
-
Outdated Plans: Only 21% of Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) had adopted a new plan in the last five years.
-
Compliance Issues: One in five LPAs has yet to adopt a National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)-compliant plan.
FAQs: Local Planning
What is the statutory time limit for planning applications?
Major applications: 13 weeks.
Minor applications: 8 weeks.
Why does planning permission take longer than the statutory limits?
Delays are often due to council understaffing, complex applications, and the use of extensions of time agreements.
How can I speed up my planning application?
Submit complete and accurate documentation.
Engage with your local council early.
Use professional services to ensure compliance.
About UK Homes Network
UK Homes Network is an exclusive platform connecting property professionals, including developers, investors, and service providers. We offer resources and networking opportunities to help members navigate challenges like planning performance and make informed decisions from industry experts within the membership.
FAQs About UK Homes Network
What does UK Homes Network offer?
We provide a space for property professionals to connect, share insights, and grow their networks. Members gain access to industry news, webinars, and best practices.
How can I join UK Homes Network?
Joining is simple! Visit our website, sign up for a free account, and start networking with like-minded professionals.
Does UK Homes Network offer support with planning applications?
While we don’t handle applications directly, we provide educational resources and connect members with experienced professionals who can help.
Local planning can be a daunting process, but understanding the current performance landscape and preparing your application thoroughly can help you navigate it successfully. If you’re a property professional looking to stay ahead, join UK Homes Network today for the latest updates and support in the property industry!
2 Responses
This website, you can discover lots of slot machines from famous studios.
Users can enjoy retro-style games as well as new-generation slots with stunning graphics and exciting features.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned gamer, there’s something for everyone.
slot casino
The games are available 24/7 and designed for laptops and smartphones alike.
No download is required, so you can get started without hassle.
Site navigation is easy to use, making it simple to browse the collection.
Register now, and discover the thrill of casino games!
Оформление сертификатов на территории РФ является неотъемлемым условием выхода продукции на рынок.
Этот процесс обеспечивает полное соответствие нормам и официальным требованиям, а это защищает конечных пользователей от небезопасной продукции.
сертификация продукции
Кроме того, наличие сертификатов способствует взаимодействие с крупными ритейлерами и расширяет конкурентные преимущества для бизнеса.
Без сертификации, возможны штрафы и ограничения при ведении бизнеса.
Поэтому, оформление документации не просто формальностью, но и важным фактором для успешного развития организации в сфере торговли.