After a subdued April, planning application activity rebounded in May, with 48,020 submissions – an 8% increase on the previous month (nearly 3,500 more applications) and a modest 1% rise compared to May 2024.
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Government to consult on removing planning committee decisions for developments of fewer than ten homes
The government is set to consult on shifting the jurisdiction of planning committees for smaller housing schemes.
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RTPI raises concerns over environmental proposals in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill
The Planning and Infrastructure Bill, currently at the committee stage in the House of Commons, proposes the introduction of a centralised ‘nature restoration fund’- a levy paid by developers to support environmental improvements.
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High Court rules planning applications are legally ‘made’ on the day they’re first received
The High Court has confirmed that a planning application is legally “made” on the day the local authority first receives the forms and fee, even if further documents are demanded and supplied later. The case arose after Westchurch Homes Ltd applied, on 11 January 2023, for permission to build 133 homes in Bolton.
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Charities propose key amendments to strengthen environmental safeguards in new Planning Bill
Last week, The Guardian reported that the newly proposed Planning and Infrastructure Bill has been heavily criticised by a coalition of 32 charities – including The Wildlife Trust – for “throwing environmental protections to the wind.”
The group described the legislation as “one-sided” and warned it could allow developers to sidestep vital environmental safeguards, leaving key habitats exposed to unsustainable development.
Now, ahead of the Bill’s committee stage, The Wildlife Trust has backed a series of targeted amendments, which aim to address these concerns:
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March 2025 was a record-breaking month for planning applications, marking the highest volume since April 2021. A huge 64,210 applications were submitted. On March 31 we processed more applications than we ever have on a single day.
Overall, submissions surged by 29% compared to February 2025. This represents a staggering 29% increase from March 2024, a stark contrast to the 19% decline recorded between March 2023 and March 2024.
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February saw a strong start to the year for planning applications, with a noticeable uptick across most regions and application types. Here’s a quick breakdown of the key trends.
Overall Growth in Applications
A total of 49,745 applications were submitted in February 2025 – a 9% rise from January and a 3% increase compared to February 2024. This equates to over 1,500 more applications year-on-year.
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Gweler yr erthygl isod yn y Gymraeg
We’re happy to announce that from Spring 2025, Planning Portal will begin offering planning application services across Wales, following the closure of Planning Applications Wales.
The launch of Planning Portal in Wales ensures a seamless continuation of service for applicants while introducing the full suite of Planning Portal features and benefits.
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From 31 March 2025, the cost of submitting a planning application via Planning Portal will increase.
This reflects two key factors:
- The UK Government’s increase to statutory planning fees from 1 April 2025, which raises costs across the sector, for all parties. Find out more in our blog post ‘Updates to Planning Application Fees in England’.
- Significant increases in the cost of processing planning applications, including security, payment handling and associated fees, platform maintenance, and support services.
Changes take effect from 1 April 2025. We have published a ‘forthcoming’ version of our fee schedule and placed key information in this blog post and on the website to help users understand and navigate the imminent updates with ease. Read on for more information…
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