New government planning reforms could provide a welcome boost for the industry by speeding up approvals for home improvement projects such as conservatories, kitchen extensions and loft conversions.
Under new rules expected to come into force this autumn, minor planning applications will be decided by planning officers rather than council committees, reducing delays that can currently stretch into months.
The changes are part of wider efforts to streamline the planning system and support economic growth. Small businesses seeking approval for premises improvements are also expected to benefit from faster decisions.
Industry figures have welcomed the move, highlighting the potential for a more consistent pipeline of work for tradespeople and contractors. With many homeowners increasingly choosing to improve rather than move, the reforms could help unlock demand for glazing products and installation services by making it quicker and easier for projects to get underway.
In other news, the latest Business Pilot Barometer has shown a slowdown in leads and sales for the home improvement sector, which is understandable considering the ongoing impact on consumer confidence due to the Iran conflict.
However, Business Pilot’s senior analyst, Neil Cooper-Smith, highlights the rise in project order values in May, up from £3,954 in April to £4,473.
According to Neil, this shows that ‘while some households continue to delay discretionary expenditure, others remain willing to invest in larger home improvement projects, particularly where there is a clear benefit in terms of energy efficiency, comfort or property value.’
Click here to read the report in full.
Reforms should speed up planning approvals
New government planning reforms could provide a welcome boost for the industry by speeding up approvals for home improvement projects such as conservatories, kitchen extensions and loft conversions.
Under new rules expected to come into force this autumn, minor planning applications will be decided by planning officers rather than council committees, reducing delays that can currently stretch into months.
The changes are part of wider efforts to streamline the planning system and support economic growth. Small businesses seeking approval for premises improvements are also expected to benefit from faster decisions.
Industry figures have welcomed the move, highlighting the potential for a more consistent pipeline of work for tradespeople and contractors. With many homeowners increasingly choosing to improve rather than move, the reforms could help unlock demand for glazing products and installation services by making it quicker and easier for projects to get underway.
In other news, the latest Business Pilot Barometer has shown a slowdown in leads and sales for the home improvement sector, which is understandable considering the ongoing impact on consumer confidence due to the Iran conflict.
However, Business Pilot’s senior analyst, Neil Cooper-Smith, highlights the rise in project order values in May, up from £3,954 in April to £4,473.
According to Neil, this shows that ‘while some households continue to delay discretionary expenditure, others remain willing to invest in larger home improvement projects, particularly where there is a clear benefit in terms of energy efficiency, comfort or property value.’
Click here to read the report in full.
Luke Wood
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