More planning permissions granted than in 2007

Successful planning applications in England are up 6% since 2007, according to fresh data from Pure Commercial Finance.

Planning for a major development could be easier than ever before, as data shows the percentage of successful planning grants rising from 82% to 86% over the past decade.

The brokerage company, which specialises in financing commercial projects, revealed the figures as part of its campaign to aid investors in their understanding of the development process.

Some 18 locations in England had a 100% success rate of major development applications in the year ending March 31 2017. Areas included the North York Moors National Park, Halton in Cheshire, the Adur district of West Sussex, and Lincoln.

During the same period, Epsom and Ewell in Surrey, was the least likely place to get a major planning application, with only 38% being granted. There was also low a success rate in Spelthorne (50%) and Bournemouth (52%).

Since the 2007 financial crisis, the total number of planning applications has remained at a low level. However, in recent years more have been granted due to better planning advice and lenient planning rules.

Ben Lloyd, co-founder and managing director at Pure Commercial Finance, commented: “We were intrigued to see where development projects were most likely to get permission and at what rate.”

“We are pleased to see a number of planning bodies across the country are keen for the redevelopment and expansion of property on offer in their areas,” he said.

For read the full report, you can visit the website here.