A decade low in planning approvals for new homes is stark proof of the challenge the country is facing in turning the tide on the housing crisis, an ambitious Hampshire builder said today.

Durley-based BRiCS, which has plans for substantial growth over the next five years, said SME builders require further support in order to play a significant role in meeting housing targets alongside large PLC operations.

A new report by the Home Builders Federation (HBF) has revealed that the number of development sites gaining planning approval across England has continued to fall.

In fact, the 12 months to June 2024 saw the lowest number of new home permissions granted for over a decade, with just 10,400 sites approved, 10% down on the previous year.

The new Government has promised 1.5 million new homes over the next five years.

Today Hugo Reeve, Managing Director (Land & Development) of BRiCS, said the figures further highlighted the scale of changes required to ensure Britain builds the homes the country needs.

Hugo said:

“The number of permissions for new homes in England have been on a downward trajectory for the last two years. There was a time when planning approvals were 53% higher than they are today. We need to get back to those numbers – and in fact higher – as soon as possible to meet the Government’s ambition.

“This latest drop is despite a wide acceptance that the country urgently needs new homes in the right places.

“We welcome the new Government’s early interventions but much more will need to be done to hit the ambitious, but very necessary, mandatory housing targets.”

The HBF said the lack of affordable mortgage availability remains a problem and called for more support for buyers, while urging the Government to take proactive steps in its Autumn budget.

Hugo added:

“We need to see a streamlining of the planning process, as well as many more planning and county council officers, so that developments can proceed through the system at the speed required.

“Even with such planning changes, the ambition of 370,000 annual new homes is a huge challenge given current levels, and this cannot be met by the large PLC housebuilders alone. It also requires significant growth in SMEs such as BRiCS, to deliver more varied designs at a local level.

“This growth in SMEs requires increased support from government, financiers and Local Plan makers to ensure we not just survive but grow, to deliver more homes to help meet these housing targets.

“A vibrant housebuilding industry is crucial for so many reasons, not least creating jobs and investment in local areas. BRiCS remains optimistic about our future, with several new developments in the pipeline that we are looking forward to unveiling. We’re keen to show how well we deliver individually designed, energy efficient homes that local communities want and need.”

BRiCS currently has houses for sale in Bordon and Chichester, with plans for further developments in the south, including in Earnley, where 30 new homes are proposed.

BRiCS is also actively searching for new land to buy, especially from owners who want to see a higher standard of design and place making.

Visit www.brics.co.uk for more information.