Increase in numbers looking to extend planning applications

The number of new houses being built and planning applications being submitted is continuing to fall although the rate of decline has slowed since the start of the year.

The National Housing Construction Index by Link2Plans shows that planning applications for housing during the first quarter fell by 20%, compared to the same period last year.

Managing director Danny O'Shea also observed a 16% increase in the number of people extending their planning permission for up to five years.

"Our researchers noticed an increase in planning applications for extensions of duration…Applicants are allowed to apply for an extension of the duration once only, for up to five years," he said.