The latest government statistics have revealed that district level planning authorities received 11% fewer planning applications between January and March this year compared to last year.

In the first three months of this year, planning departments received 85,800 applications for planning permission. Between January and March 2023, 95,238 applications were received.

In the reported period, planning authorities decided on 79,100 applications for planning permission, marking a 9% decrease compared to the same period last year.