Data shows an over 160% rise in planning applications

Data published by the Land, Planning and Development Federation today shows an over 160% increase in the number of planning applications that members of the LPDF intend to submit between January and June 2025, compared to the number submitted between July and December 2024.

Research conducted by the Land Planning and Development Federation shows an increase in the number of planning applications amongst those who responded to the survey from 120 applications submitted between July 2024 and December 2024 to 313 in the first six months of 2025, following the Government’s publication of a new National Planning Policy Framework in December 2024.

The numbers of homes proposed within these applications increases by 154% from 22,971 to 58,262.

Paul Campbell, CEO of LPDF Member Richborough Estates said:' At Richborough, we're already submitting many more planning applications because we've seen a real improvement in the policy environment. We submitted applications for 7,500 plots across 24 sites last year which is significantly higher than prior years and we intend to go well beyond that in 2025. In just the first half of 2025 we will be submitting applications for 31 sites.  We now need to see investment from government to make sure that decisions are taken quickly so that these applications become desperately needed new homes.'

Paul Brocklehurst, Chairman of the LPDF added:

‘We expect a further growth in application numbers in the 2^nd half of 2025 as the ecological survey season closes and members, together with their technical teams, finalise their development proposals. This should be seen as a positive affirmation that the Government is doing the right thing with its planning reforms as business confidence has increased and the not insignificant investment in the cost of planning applications is made.

However, Government needs to ensure that alongside its planning reforms it funds Local Planning Authorities to enable them to employ sufficient professionals to process these applications, hold local councillors to account for the decisions that they make and ensure that the Planning Inspectorate is adequately resourced should, as one could expect, planning appeals increase over the coming 12 months.

Government needs to continue with its planning reforms via the Planning and Infrastructure Bill removing the burden of nutrient neutrality, bringing in national schemes of delegation and ensuring that Local Plans are made that fully account for the housing needs of the area.

However, our members applaud the start that the Government has made in planning reform and will look to support them in the target they have set themselves of delivering 1.5m new homes over a Parliament, starting to address the housing crisis from which the country has for so long suffered.’