London and South East need biggest shake up on planning

With a shift in power playing out in councils across the country, new research has revealed the local authorities in which there is most to play for in the planning stakes. Major housing developments have been most likely to be refused in London, the South East, and East of England, according to a study by property data firm Search Acumen, which found that the majority of councils refusing at least one in two submissions for schemes last year were in those locations. The three areas had 12 of the top 15 local planning authorities refusing at least 50% of major housing developments, meaning housebuilders there had the lowest chance of obtaining a successful planning application in the country. Additionally, 12 out of 15 local planning authorities that had a 100% approval rate in 2023 of more than 10 major developments were outside of London and the South East. Major housing developments were most likely to be greeted with “Yes In My Back Yard” and get planning permission granted by local planning authorities in the Midlands and the North. Search Acumen’s analysis also points to councils where no one party has a majority as having an increased likelihood by 60% of major new housing developments being refused, as political instability stifles development, despite the national housing crisis. Out of the 15 councils with a 100% record for large development planning approvals, 60% were Labour run. Check out more planning info with EG Radius >> Photo © Ian Murray/imageBROKER/Shutterstock