The number of planning applications submitted in the UK has fallen due to the economic instability caused by the UK’s decision to leave the European Union.
Residential applications – specifically ones for more than 10 units – were significantly lower in Q1 2017 compared with the previous year, with an average drop-off of 28% across all the UK regions.
The East Midlands saw the biggest average drop in applications, down by 47%. Wales posted the smallest drop at 15%.
The first quarter of 2017 also saw a decline in applications by sector compared with Q1 2016. Industrial was the only sector to improve, up by just 0.7%. The retail sector was the worst, seeing a drop of almost 50%. Overall, last year 79% of applications were permitted and 12% refused, with the remainder withdrawn.
37% drop in residential applications for more than 10 units from Q1 2016 total
28% year-on-year fall in number of resi planning applications, Q1 2017
–34% average drop in number of applications, all sectors
12 number of EG-defined regions reporting drop in planning applications compared with Q1 2016
