Freedom of Information requests by the HBF have found over 80% of the 134 local authorities surveyed are operating below full capacity.

The government has proposed the recruitment of 300 additional local authority planners to improve this situation, but the HBF has argued more are needed.

The HBF estimates 2,200 extra planning officers are needed across England and Wales to address this gap, with local authorities struggling with high turnover rates and having to rely on costly agency workers.

This is forcing many local authorities to fall behind and major planning decisions being made outside the statutory 13-week timescale.

With HBF data also showing over half of small housebuilders (51%) are waiting over a year for planning permission, the trade body is pushing the government to do more.

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This should include expanding the Planning Delivery Skills Fund to recruit more planning officers and enhance local authority resources, the HBF has argued.

“The severe shortage of planning officers is directly undermining the Government’s ability to meet its housing targets, causing significant delays to housing projects when the country is in desperate need of more homes,” said Neil Jefferson, CEO at the HBF.

“Local authorities often cite infrastructure needs as reasons to block new developments, yet millions in unspent developer contributions remain in council accounts, unutilised.

“This is an issue that needs to be addressed urgently. While we understand the challenges councils face, we must ensure these funds are used effectively and swiftly to benefit local communities, support essential services, and ultimately drive growth across the country.”