The number of planning applications was up in December 2025 compared with the same month in 2024, according to Planning Portal’s latest Market Insight Report.
Its findings show year on year increases for all regions of England with the highest rises in the East of England and the Humber – both at nine per cent.
However, in line with seasonal trends, the number of applications submitted in December 2025 were down on the preceding month, of November 2025.
Other figures included:
- Full applications up 11% compared with December 2024, but down on November 2025 by 5%
- Householder applications decreased by 4% in December 2025 compared to the same month in 2024, and 7% compared to November 2025
- Outline applications increased by 49% in December 2025 compared to December 2024
The report states: “December’s figures round off what has been, overall, a resilient and positive year for planning application activity.
“Despite the expected softening in application submission from November to December, with consistent with seasonal patterns, 2025 comfortably outperformed 2024 across most regions in terms of submissions.
“Strong growth in full applications and the striking rise in outline submissions suggest renewed confidence in longer-term development planning, even as household-level activity cooled slightly.”
It adds: “As we move into 2026, a key question will be whether the momentum in outline applications and rising unit numbers can convert into real, delivered development on the ground.
“Significant roadblocks and delays still exist beyond the point of submission, and these will need focused attention if increased intent is to become meaningful progress on housing supply.
“Nonetheless, current trends point to a sector that has absorbed recent uncertainty, adapted with resilience, and is now positioning itself for a period of sustained – and potentially accelerated – activity in the year ahead.”
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