Councils Anger At Barrier To Building Claim

Councils have challenged government over "evidence" that development is delayed by planning conditions. Local authorities rejected the claim by central government that they are slowing up the building of new housing developments across the country.  Cllr Peter Box, planning spokesman at the Local Government Association, said:   “The planning system is not a barrier to housebuilding. Councils approve almost nine out of 10 planning applications and the number of homes being granted planning permission by local authorities during 2015 was 253,000, the highest level since 2007. There is little evidence to suggest development is being delayed by planning conditions which also save developers time and money as they do not need to invest in detailed submissions until the principle of the development is granted. Read more on 24dash.