More new homes would boost economy and jobs

The government must do more to simplify the new homes planning process, not just due to the chronic housing shortage, but also because more new homes would help ensure economic growth and job creation, according to the British Property Federation (BPF).

The BPF has outlined 10 key areas that government's proposed National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) must tackle to ensure mote new homes and jobs are created.

A draft of the NPPF, a key part of the government's shakeup of planning policy, is scheduled to be published in July before being formally adopted in April 2012.

Liz Peace, chief executive at the BPF, commented: "The property industry is broadly in favour of paring back the planning system as it has become too large and unwieldy. However, this opportunity needs to be taken to ensure the NPPF reflects the importance of stimulating sustainable economic growth and job creation - the two most urgent priorities for this country.

"While it is right that the NPPF should highlight the importance of a plan-led approach to planning, we also think it should be flexible enough to accommodate the opportunity-led nature of much of the development that takes place."