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Planning Applications Surge, But Home Building Declines

1/30/2026

46 7 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

In 2025, planning applications for new homes in England reached 335,000, a 60% rise from 2024.
But house building fell despite the surge, raising concerns about Labour's target of 1.5 million homes by 2029.
The government reformed the planning system to allow development on lower-quality green belt land.
New data on Energy Performance Certificates indicate a slight decline in registered homes, signaling ongoing challenges.

History

Historical Context

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) was introduced in March 2012 to simplify England's planning system, replacing over 1,300 pages of previous guidance. This shift followed the 2011 Localism Act, which decentralized planning authority. As of 2023, planning applications surged to 335,000, reflecting ongoing challenges in meeting Labour's target of 1.5 million homes by 2029 while balancing environmental concerns.

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Story summary

In 2025, planning applications for new homes in England reached 335,000, a 60% rise from 2024.
But house building fell despite the surge, raising concerns about Labour's target of 1.5 million homes by 2029.
The government reformed the planning system to allow development on lower-quality green belt land.
New data on Energy Performance Certificates indicate a slight decline in registered homes, signaling ongoing challenges.

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