In response to the announcement made today by Yvette Cooper that the Government intends to increase the market responsiveness of the planning system, Robert Ashmead, Chief Executive of the Home Builders Federation comments:
The Home Builders Federation welcomes the Governments intent to increase the market responsiveness of the planning system by ensuring local authorities release land that is realistically developable to deliver agreed levels of housing when and where it is most needed.
An increase in building to meet demand at all levels of the market, from first-time buyers through to those seeking to move up to a larger home, is the only way to address the chronic problem of undersupply and improve affordability.
We are delighted that the Government is getting to grips with the implementation of the Barker agenda.
As the Barker Review into housing supply recommends, the planning process should make better use of market information and ensure greater clarity and speed. This announcement marks a step in the right direction and we look forward to consulting with the Government on how the plans will work in practice.
The efficient release of land for development is necessary to allow the housing market to respond to peoples needs and aspirations, and to give everyone the opportunity to own a house that they can afford.
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Robert Ashmead is available for interview throughout the day. To arrange an interview, or for more information, please contact Katie Thompson at Portland on 020 7421 6120 or katie.thompson@portlandpr.co.uk.
Notes to Editors:
The Home Builders Federation (HBF) is the principal trade federation for private sector house builders and voice of the house building industry in England and Wales. The HBFs 300 member firms account for over 80% of all new houses built in England and Wales in any one year, and include companies of all sizes, ranging from multi-national, household names through regionally based businesses to small local companies.