The Scottish Building Federation has warned that a slowdown in planning approvals is bad news for the struggling construction industry.

Just 29.9% of major applications were approved in 2011/2012, compared to 33.6% the year before, according to figures released by Scotland's Chief Statistician today.

Michael Levack, Chief Executive of SBF, said the figures were "disappointing" and hampered the recovery of the sector.

He said planning authorities should "redouble efforts" to make sure applications went through on time.

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The figures indicated that overall, slightly less applications were approved last year than the year before.

92.2% of applications were approved in 2011/2012, while 92.9% were allowed through in 2010/2011.

There was a 0.7% drop in the number of applications received.

Mr Levack said: "In the current climate, when overall construction activity has substantially reduced, we would have hoped to see an acceleration in planning decisions to get more shovels into the ground."

That's why it's so disappointing to see that the proportion of major applications being determined on time has actually fallen back over the past 12 months."

He said the impact of economic stimulus plans by the Scottish Government would "risk substantial damage and delay" if decisions on projects did not come through on time.

Mr Levack concluded: "Scotland's planning authorities need to redouble their efforts to streamline the decision-making process or risk seriously hampering recovery in the building industry."

(NE)