Figures from the House Builders Federation show planning approvals up
Figures released in the House Builders Federation's (HBF) latest Housing Pipeline report reveal that approvals for 36,761 new homes were given in England in the first quarter of this year, a 10% increase year on year and 33% up on the previous quarter. However, the figures also indicate that levels are still way short of the 60,000 required each quarter to meet housing need, and the level that was being achieved four years ago.
The report, compiled for HBF by Glenigan reveals:
- 36,731 approvals granted in England compared to 27,732 in Q4 and 33,450 Q1 2011
- 31,078 private housing approvals granted, up 37% on Q4 2011 and 18% Q1 2011
- 4,313 social housing approvals granted in England down 28% from 5,983 on Q1 2011
- Permissions granted in London up 89% on Q1 2011 to 12,923
David Sansome, Managing Director at Sansome & George said: “Any increase in numbers should be seen as positive news as it means there is growing confidence amongst developers.
However, the figures are still woefully short of the accepted levels required and so the shortfall of property being built will, in the immediate future, actually increase.”
