In January to March 2015, there were 15,200 decisions on applications for residential developments, an increase of 17% compared with Q1 2014. The number of major residential decisions increased by 19% compared to Q1 2014 – up to 1,900 projects - while the number of minor residential decisions increased by 16%, to 13,200.

However, English authorities granted 79% of major residential applications, down from 81% in the March quarter 2014, deciding on 70% of them within 13 weeks or the agreed time. Authorities granted 74% of decisions on minor residential applications, deciding 64% of them within 8 weeks or the agreed time.

In the year ending March 2015, authorities granted 5,500 major and 38,300 minor residential applications, with 79% and 75% of applications being granted respectively.

Andrew Bridges, managing director of Stirling Ackroyd, comments: “Economic fuel is coursing through the housing market, and the planning system is witnessing a real resurgence from developers. Hope and confidence about the future are starting to overcome the lethargy and bureaucracy that have held back the building of homes for so many years.

“There’s a long way left to go and the planning system remains a powerful brake on the number of homes that can get built. Whilst we’re definitely still in first gear, planning applications for new homes are gaining momentum.”