Average decision times on major and local housing developments are faster than the previous year, according to new statistics.

Recent quarterly planning performance figures have revealed there were 1,432 decisions made on local housing developments and 27 decisions on major housing projects during October to December of 2015/16.

For local schemes, the average decision time of 13.6 weeks was almost four days slower than the previous quarter (13.1 weeks) but two days quicker than the same period last year (13.9 weeks).


On major housing developments, the average decision time of 35.2 weeks was slower than almost one week than the previous quarter (34.4 weeks).

However, it was 14 weeks quicker than the equivalent quarter in 2014/15 (49.7 weeks).

In addition, there were a further nine major housing applications concluded (subject to separate processing agreements), of which eight met the agreed timescale laid down between the developer and council.

A further 39 local housing applications were also concluded (subject to separate processing agreements), of which 23 met the approved timescale.

Overall, the rate of approvals for all types of application was 94% between October to December, the same as the previous quarter but an increase compared to quarter three in 2014/15 (93.1%).

(LM)