Planning performance statistics: annual and quarterly reports, 2016-2017

4. Average decision times - Quarterly trends for Local Developments

4.1 All Local Developments

There were 6,369 local applications (validated post 3rd August 2009) decided during the fourth quarter of 2016/17, with an overall average decision time of 9.3 weeks, quicker by almost two days compared to the previous quarter (9.5 weeks) and the quickest quarter four figure since the start of the data collection in 2012/13. When the additional 1 legacy case is included the average decision time remains at 9.3 weeks ( Quarter 4, 2016/17: Tables 3 & 4).

In addition, there were 349 local developments decided during the fourth quarter of 2016/17 that had processing agreements in place, with 84% of these meeting agreed timescales. Developments with processing agreements are not included in average time calculations.

Chart 21: All Local Developments: Number of decisions

Chart 22: All Local Developments: Average decision time (weeks)

4.2 All Local (Non Householder) Developments

There were 3,381 local (non householder) developments decided during the fourth quarter of 2016/17, with an overall average decision time of 11.2 weeks. This is quicker than the previous quarter (11.3 weeks) and is the quickest quarter four figure since the start of the data collection in 2012/13.

When the one legacy case is included, the average decision time for quarter four of 2016/17 remains at 11.2 weeks. ( Quarter 4, 2016/17: Table 5).

Chart 23: All Local Developments (Non Householder): Number of decisions

Chart 24: All Local Developments (Non Householder): Average decision time (weeks)

4.3 Householder Developments

These include all applications for development in the curtilage of a residential property which are not change of use, for example: extensions, alterations to garages, swimming pools, walls, fences, driveways or porches.

There were 2,988 householder applications decided during the fourth quarter of 2016/17, with an overall average decision time of 7.1 weeks, quicker by three days compared to the previous quarter (7.5 weeks) and the quickest decision time since the start of the data collection in 2012/13.

There were no householder legacy cases decided in quarter four of 2016/17. ( Quarter 4, 2016/17: Table 6).

Chart 25: Householder developments: Number of decisions

Chart 26: Householder developments: Average decision time (weeks)

4.4 Local Housing

Local Housing developments are those that have less than 50 dwellings and with a site area that is less than 2 hectares.

In quarter four of 2016/17 there were 1,187 decisions made on local housing applications. The overall average decision time was 12.8 weeks, the same as the previous quarter (12.8 weeks) and quicker than the equivalent quarter four figures in each of the previous four years.

There were a further 140 local housing applications concluded that were subject to separate processing agreements, of which 125 (89%) met the agreed timescale. This compares with 133 (89% of 150 local housing applications) that met the agreed timescale for the previous quarter.

There were no local housing legacy cases decided in quarter four of 2016/17. ( Quarter 4, 2016/17: Table 8).

Chart 27: Local Housing developments: Number of decisions

Chart 28: Local Housing developments: Average decision time (weeks)

4.5 Local Business and Industry

Local Business and Industry developments are those with floor space less than 10,000 square metres and with a site area less than 2 hectares.

There were 429 local business and industry applications decided during the fourth quarter of 2016/17, with an overall average decision time of 10.0 weeks, slower by two days compared to the previous quarter (9.7 weeks) but quicker than the equivalent quarter four figures in each of the previous four years.

There were no local business and industry legacy cases decided in quarter four of 2016/17. ( Quarter 4, 2016/17: Table 10).

Chart 29: Local Business and Industry developments: Number of decisions

Chart 30: Local Business and Industry developments: Average decision time (weeks)

4.6 Local Other Developments

The category "other developments" includes any developments not falling wholly within any of the specific categories of development for minerals, housing, business & industry, waste management, electricity generation, fish farming and AMSCs. It includes, but is not limited to, retail, leisure and entertainment, education, healthcare, community facilities, transport interchanges, water and drainage developments and projects. It can also include mixed use projects. Local other developments are those where the gross floor space of any building, structure or erection as a result of such development is less than 5,000 square metres or the area of the site is less than 2 hectares.

There were 1,447 local other developments decided during the fourth quarter of 2016/17, with an overall average decision time of 10.2 weeks, quicker than both the previous quarter (10.4 weeks), and the equivalent quarter four figures in each of the previous four years.

Chart 31: Local Other Developments: Number of decisions

Chart 32: Local Other Developments: Average decision time (weeks)

Information on decisions for other specific categories of developments is available within the detailed excel tables at: Planning Authority Performance Statistics 2016/17 Quarter 4