80% want more homes built, 67% want planning system sped up
As the Government reviews responses to its consultation on the proposed national planning policy framework (NPPF), a survey out today reveals that the majority of people want the planning system sped up and more homes built.
The YouGov survey shows that;
65% of people think we haven’t got enough homes to adequately house the growing population (74% of over 55s)80% think we need to build more homes of all types for sale and for rent, especially housing that is affordable for first-time buyers67% want the planning system streamlined and sped up so more and better affordable homes can be built
The consultation into the draft NPPF was marred by sensationalist and inaccurate claims by the anti-development lobby. But the survey shows that the ordinary majority, those most affected by a lack of housing, appreciate more homes must be built.
The NPPF will determine how many homes are built in the coming years as the country looks to address a housing crisis that now sees five million people on housing waiting lists. First time buyer numbers have also collapsed, as a generation locked out of home ownership is forced to stay with parents, share flats with friends and delay starting their own family.
Speaking today, Stewart Baseley, executive chairman of the HBF said;
“This survey clearly shows that the vast majority of people understand the need for more housing and a planning system that delivers.
“The housing shortage is having a huge impact on ordinary people, young couples who can’t set up home, parents called upon to help their children to buy a house, or the hundreds of thousands of workers reliant on house building who have lost their jobs.
“The draft NPPF balances the economic, social and environmental needs of a community when assessing an application. It empowers the Local Authority to work with local people and maintains the existing protection for green belt and areas of natural beauty.”
Last year saw just 103,000 homes built in England, the lowest number since 1923, against a need for 250,000; whilst planning permissions for homes that will be built over the coming years have collapsed to around half of where they should be.
ENDS -
For media enquiries, or to arrange an interview, please contact Tim Collins on 020 7960 1612 / 07813 883 473 or tim.collins@hbf.co.uk
Notes to editors
1. The Home Builders Federation (HBF) is the representative body of the home building industry in England and Wales. The HBF’s member firms account for some 80% of all new homes 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: www.hbf.co.uk
2. All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 2015 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 10th - 12th August 2011 . The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).