Planning Applications UP

Planning applications submitted in the UK are up January – March 2011 from same period last year after a dip in October – Decemeber 2010.

Also interesting to note is approvals are down. This would perhaps represent the increase in complexity and and changes in the planning policy and local authorities. Areas of complicity could be changes in Permitted Development Act in 2008. Also changes to Environmental Agency flood risk requirements.

Other possible factors;

Developers looking to increase density to recoup cost of land from the height of the market.

Lack of clear and quality pre application advice from local authorities

We suggest getting good advice from your architect and planning consultants early in any project to manage expectations and achieve best development potential coupled with the best process possible.