The upward trend in planning permissions has continued according to HBF's latest Housing Pipeline report.<br> <br> In Q1 2013 40,633 housing permissions were granted, more than 10% up on Q1 2012 and the highest Q1 figure seen for five years. Although the total was down on the 45,041 recorded in the previous quarter, overall planning permissions rose to 144,427 in the 12 months to March 2013, a 22% year on year rise.<br> <br> The Q1 figures, compiled by Glenigan, indicate the effect of the National Planning Policy Framework a year after its introduction, HBF said. n New home registrations in the UK are continuing to rise, with private sector registrations climbing 20% to 24,542 in the three months from February to April 2013 against the same period last year, according to NHBC's latest statistics.<br> <br> After reporting a positive Q1earlier this month, NHBC said that its year-to-date registrations were up 26% to 43,223 against last year.