Approvals weakened further during the second quarter, continuing the downward trend seen over the last two years. At 2,771, the number of housing projects granted planning permission in the second quarter fell by 10% against the preceding quarter and was 20% lower than a year ago. The number of approvals during the first six months of 2023 were 20% lower than a year ago.

The number of units approved during the second quarter dropped by 14% against the previous three months to total 62,681 units and was 11% lower than during the second quarter of last year. Overall approvals totalled 135,290 units during the first half of 2023, a 17% decline on a year ago.

At 56,712 units, housing schemes of ten or more units during the second quarter accounted for 90% of approved units, dropped by 14% against the first quarter and were 10% down on a year ago. The remaining 10% of units were on smaller new build projects of up to nine units including self-build schemes together with homes included within non-residential projects and from the conversion of non-residential properties.

At 1,829 the number of private sector housing projects (schemes of 3 or more units) securing approval was 10% down on the first quarter and was 16% lower than a year earlier. At 54,385 the number of units on private sector projects granted planning permission was 13% down on the first quarter and 8% lower than a year ago.

At 91, the number of social housing projects (of three or more units) fell sharply, dropping by 37% on the first quarter and being 44% lower than a year ago. At 7,195, the number of units was 20% down on the preceding quarter and 24% lower than a year earlier.

Regionally, four parts of the country bucked the overall downward trend in approvals during the second quarter. The North East, East of England, West Midlands and Wales all saw a double digit increase in approvals against the previous quarter, rising by 26%, 31%, 19% and 26% respectively.

All other parts of the country saw a decline against the previous quarter. The sharpest declines were seen in Yorkshire & the Humber, the East Midlands, London and the South West, with falls of 54%, 38%, 25% and 20% respectively.