Despite council attempts to streamline processes, developers say building consents are the bane of building growth, according to a new survey from CTMA World.

During 2008, overall customer satisfaction with the building consent process fell20% from 2007.

Developers, architects, builders and home owners responded to the survey. Results show overall satisfaction with building consents has fallen to 35.6% in 2008 from 55.9% in 2007.

Building consents are continuing a steady downward slide, new research from Statistics New Zealand shows, and those in the industry expect it to get worse before it gets better.

Ninety-eight per cent of the building industry executives surveyed by eBoss in February 2009 say they think the industry hasn't seen its darkest days yet and two thirds recommend caution over the next six months.

Statistics released today show that 1059 housing units were granted consent during February 2009 compared with 1874 in February 2008.