238,000 Homes received planning permission in 2012, however only 129,000 units started construction in the same periods, according to new figures.

Data from Barbour ABI indicates a significant disparity between planning permissions and builds starting on site, following the unveiling of two new housing schemes announced by Communities Secretary, Eric Pickles, at the Conservative Party Conference this week.

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The data also highlighted London and the South East's dominance over house building activity, with both regions combined accounting for nearly a third (29%) of all planning permissions in the residential sector. The North West and South West were not far behind with 12 per cent and 11 per cent respectively, and house building at its lowest in the North East (5 per cent) and Wales (3 per cent).

(CD/IT)