Some 39% of the 567 property developers surveyed across England, Wales, and Scotland reported an average waiting time of 4-6 months for planning permission to be granted, while 33% experienced an even longer waiting period of 7-12 months.

Only 19% of developers had an average waiting time of 1-3 months, while none of the respondents waited less than one month. 

One in 10 developers revealed they had previously had their planning permission requests rejected. 

However, there is optimism in the property development market; almost three-quarters of developers believe  the government setting targets for councils would help unlock these planning issues.

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“The sector has had a tough time of late, with delays to planning permission leading to sluggish construction output and stretched timelines,” said Terry Woodley, managing director of development finance at Shawbrook.

“However, the chancellor’s recent speech to the Treasury will likely be a source of optimism,” he said, highlighting Labour’s target to build 370,000 houses per year, a review of greenbelt boundaries, and the reform of planning committees.

“Developers will be watching closely to see how an overhaul of the planning system plays out,” Terry added.

“The chancellor announced that planning decisions for major infrastructure projects will shift away from local authorities and towards national ones.

“In theory, this should stop projects from being snagged and delayed by red tape, which has become a common pitfall for developers.”

 Shawbrook’s research also found more than one-in-five developers were finding it difficult to source property and land at a reasonable price.