Today sees the publication of the Planning Inspectorate’s Annual Report and Accounts for 2024/25. 

The report details performance against our mission to deliver timely, high-quality, and cost-effective planning decisions, recommendations and advice.

In his foreword Chief Executive Paul Morrison highlights work to improve the ‘flow’ of cases through the system and the importance of engaging with partners as he reflects on the last year and future ambitions.

He writes:

Our progress reflects the professionalism and determination of colleagues across the Planning Inspectorate, and the strength of engagement from partners throughout the system.

We’ve done all of this with an eye on the horizon. The government’s ambitions in this Parliament set a clear and stretching direction. Supporting that agenda will take more than throughput. It will take a planning system that flows, connects, and delivers with confidence.

This year has shown what’s possible when we align purpose with partnership. We’re not at the finish line, but we are moving, together, in the right direction.

Highlights from the last year include:

• We provided 17 national infrastructure applications recommendations to Secretaries of State and gave advice to 80 pre-application Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects, which provide our communities with roads, railways, reservoirs, and electricity.

• 28,000 homes (approximately) approved during 2024/25 due to appeal, which would not have been built originally.

• We found 22 local plans sound, ensuring that the proposals meet citizens’ and businesses’ future needs and giving security to local areas planning their development.

• We worked with 144 local planning authorities through the householder appeal service pilot, unlocking new functionality for the entire appeals process.

The Annual Report and Accounts covers the period of April 2024 to March 2025.