Approvals declined during the second quarter of 2024, continuing the downward trend since the start of the year. At 2,707, the number of housing projects granted planning permission in the second quarter dropped by 7% against the preceding quarter and were 9% lower than a year ago.

The number of units approved during the second quarter slipped by 2% against the previous three months to total 62,103 units and was 12% lower than during the second quarter of 2023.

Housing schemes of ten or more units during the second quarter accounted for 91% of approved units. At 56,488, the number of units on such schemes was 1% lower than during the preceding quarter and was 12% down than a year earlier. The remaining 9% 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 1,733 the number of private sector housing projects (schemes of 3 or more units) securing approval was 9% lower than in the first quarter and was 12% down on a year earlier. At 55,827 the number of units on private sector projects granted planning permission was little changed against the previous three months but was 11% lower than a year earlier.

At 82, the number of social housing projects (of three or more units) fell by 37% during the second quarter, reversing the growth seen during the previous three months, and was 15% lower than a year ago. At 5,167, the number of units was 21% down on the preceding quarter and 27% lower than a year earlier.

Regionally, the North West, Yorkshire & the Humber, West Midlands, East of England and Scotland saw a rise in the number of units approved during the second quarter, rising by 4%, 39%, 10%, 6% and 20% respectively against the preceding quarter. Elsewhere, the number of units approved declined, with the North East (-36%), London (-20%), East Midlands (-19%), South West (-17%) and Wales (-11%) seeing the sharpest declines.