There could be an increase in commercial buildings being constructed this year, after government figures showed a rise in the number of planning applications being approved in 2021.

According to the latest figures from the Department for Levelling up, Housing & Communities, 7,800 commercial developments were granted approval last year, which is a growth of nine per cent from the previous 12-month period.

The total number of commercial decisions given the go-ahead between October and December 2021 was 2,000, representing 89 per cent of the number of applications put forward.

This is also an increase of six per cent from the same quarter in 2020, demonstrating improvement in the sector and an increase in demand for commercial space, whether for office, retail or hospitality use.

In total, there were 106,600 applicants submitted for planning permission between October and December last year, with the government approving 90,700 of these. 

More businesses might be looking for bigger office space now the government’s work-from-home has come to an end.

Even though lots of companies still promote flexible working regimes, a recent report from social enterprise Timewise revealed only 11 per cent of job adverts in Greater Manchester mentioned home-working opportunities, iNews.co.uk revealed.

It also found almost three-quarters of the companies that were advertising for new employees were not offering flexible working arrangements at all.

As the typical 9-5 working day seems to have made a full return, it is essential business get the look and layout of their office right.

For office interior design that will attract staff back into the workplace, give us a call today.