The UK's planning system remains under significant pressure. Many local planning authorities are working with limited resources, legacy systems and increasing workloads. Processes can be manual and fragmented, slowing decision making and creating barriers for both applicants and communities. The Home Builders Federation has highlighted how shortages in planning staff are contributing to delays.
Ultimately, slow decision-making and processing cost local authorities and residents not just in time, but in real economic terms. Delayed planning decisions can stall housing delivery, increase developer costs, and put essential infrastructure on hold. For communities, it means missed opportunities for affordable homes, schools, and services. For councils, it translates into lost revenue, mounting workloads, and growing public frustration.
