Are you eager to build but worried about planning nightmares? New research reveals the areas where your building dreams are most likely to become a reality.
The Labour government has promised a massive 370,000 new homes every year. But with locals often opposing new developments, where will these houses actually get built?
Property experts at Lomond have crunched the numbers, analysing government data to uncover which areas are most likely to approve your planning applications.
The North East Welcomes Developers
Across England, roughly 71% of planning applications get approved. But your chances of success vary dramatically depending on the location.
The North East takes the crown as the most developer-friendly region, with an impressive 81% of applications getting the green light.
On the other hand, if you’re eyeing the East of England, be prepared for a fight. This region earned the unfortunate title of “NIMBY hotspot,” with just 64% of applications approved.
The Top 10 Developer Friendly Areas
Looking for a sure bet? The City of London boasts a perfect 100% approval rate for the last 12 months. But don’t get too excited, this figure represents just six decisions.
For a more reliable indicator, head north to Blackburn with Darwen. This Lancashire town boasts a 98.2% success rate, making it the best place in England to avoid planning headaches.
Here are the top 10 areas for development approval:
- City of London (100%)
- Blackburn with Darwen (98.2%)
- North Tyneside (96.2%)
- Gosport (95.5%)
- Darlington (95%)
- Melton (94.4%)
- Cumberland (93.7%)
- Chesterfield (93.7%)
- Halton (92.9%)
- Chorley (92.1%)
Navigating NIMBYism
Let’s face it, not everyone welcomes new builds. So-called “NIMBYism” (Not In My Back Yard) can be a major hurdle for developers.
Currently, Croydon wears the unwelcome crown of England’s NIMBY central, with a measly 32.5% of applications approved. Other tough areas include Barking and Dagenham, Lambeth, and Havering, all with approval rates under 45%.
Expert Advice for Developers
Ed Phillips, CEO of Lomond, acknowledges the concerns of existing residents who fear the impact of new development. However, he stresses the urgent need for new homes to address England’s housing crisis.
His advice to developers? “Plan thoroughly to consider and avoid any potential pitfalls.” Understanding local concerns and addressing them head-on is key to securing planning permission.