<p>New home planning permission approvals in Great Britain have dropped 10% year on year according to the Home Builders Federation's latest Housing Pipeline report.</p> <p>The report, compiled by Glenigan, reveals that approvals for 32,928 units were granted in the third quarter (July, August and September 2011) compared to 36,411 in the same period last year, despite being up 13% on Q2.</p> <p>The number of social housing units approved in Great Britain was down 58%.</p> <p>The report shows that the quarterly average of approvals in 2011 stands at 33,280, compared to 38,528 in 2010 and 65,900 five years ago.</p> <p>HBF executive chairman Stewart Baseley said: "These figures demonstrate clearly why government must stand firm and deliver a robust planning system that provides enough land to meet the nation's housing needs. Its recent housing strategy contained some very positive measures, but, if they are to bear fruit, the planning system must be fit for purpose."</p>