<p>The number of new home planning permissions granted in England in the first quarter of 2015 reached 52,167, 19% up on the same period last year (43,926), according to figures released by HBF and Glenigan.<br>The figures, revealed in the latest Housing Pipeline report, show that the moving annual total has passed the 200,000 mark for the first time since 2008. In all 203,810 permissions were granted in the 12 months to April.</p> <p>HBF said that the increase was "very welcome" but that many of the homes still have to navigate the planning system and this process is taking "far too long".</p> <p>"Since the Help to Buy scheme was introduced in 2013 housebuilding activity has increased strongly," said HBF executive chairman Stewart Baseley. "Private housing starts in 2014 were up nearly 40% on their pre-Help to Buy level in 2012. However we are still only building around half the number of new homes the country needs and far fewer than in previous decades.</p> <p>"One of the biggest constraints on the industry's ability to meet the new level of demand and deliver further sustained increases in build rates is the planning process," he added.</p> <p>Baseley said that the measures announced earlier this …