New research has revealed the number of approved planning permissions remains unchanged compared to the first three months of 2016.

The Home Builders Federation (HBF) and Glenigan's latest Housing Pipeline report states that the number of units approved during the quarter was unchanged at 74,400 homes.

While this is a 24% rise from the previous year, the increase was boosted by a 34% rise in the number of approved private housing units. However, 29% fewer social housing units were approved and the number of private sector housing projects (schemes of three or more units) was 1% down on the first three months of the year, but 4% up on the same period in 2015.

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The North East, South West and Scotland recorded the sharpest rises, being 65% 58% and 93% up on a year ago, while unit approvals were lower in the East Midlands, Yorkshire & the Humber and Wales.

Glenigan said: "Whilst many of these permissions may still have some way to go before builders can start building them, the figures are a strong indicator of potential future supply."

(LM/JP)