• Paragon Bank and Home Builders Federation research found only 50.8% of planning condition applications determined within eight weeks, threatening housing delivery.
• On-time determinations fell from 55.6% in 2023/4 to 51.8% in 2024/5.
• Median determination time reached 70 days in 2025/26, exceeding the statutory target by 25%.
• Delays tie up SME builders' capital, increase financing costs and threaten development viability, potentially postponing new housing projects.
• Planning departments face staffing shortages, with 90% below full capacity; HBF urged adequate resourcing and national performance monitoring.

Disclaimer: This news brief was created by Public Technologies (PUBT) using generative artificial intelligence. While PUBT strives to provide accurate and timely information, this AI-generated content is for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as financial, investment, or legal advice. Paragon Banking Group plc published the original content used to generate this news brief on October 26, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained therein.