The Government must have a ‘laser focus’ if it is going to succeed with its housebuilding target, leading industry figures have warned.

They have called on ministers to create the right conditions to build large numbers of new homes.

The Government has pledged to build 1.5 million homes before the end of this Parliament.

However, as of last month, the Government had built less than 350,000 new homes. It expects a faster rate of building towards the end of this Parliament.

It follows the announcement that the Government is proposing seven new towns to be built, down from the original 12 suggested last September.

New towns programme

Melanie Leech, Chief Executive of the British Property Federation, said: “Today’s announcement is a welcome next step for this 21st century new towns programme.

“The sites identified will only be delivered with a combination of public and private sector expertise and given the current viability crisis, will require a laser focus on creating the right conditions to deliver housing at scale and unlock the full economic benefits that will flow from this.

“We call on the Government to work with all key partners and representatives to identify and remove barriers to delivery, including infrastructure provision and connectivity, and actively promote those housing tenures, such as Build to Rent and Single-Family Housing, which will accelerate delivery.”

The sites will require a laser focus on creating the right conditions to deliver housing at scale.”

Mary-Anne Bowring, Managing Director of Ringley Group, said: “Confirmation of the locations for the planned seven new towns is a positive next step but getting the tenure mix right is just as important as actually building new homes.

“Given the economic imperative of using housing to support key sectors of the economy, as well as responding to what consumers actually want, Build to Rent and Single-Family Housing have a key role to play not only as accelerators of delivery but in meeting that need.

“Also, as part of the delivery of these new settlements we would urge the Government to focus as much on housing design as housing delivery and seek to reduce future costs for future occupiers as much as possible given acceleration and modern methods of construction require a degree of standardisation.”

Quality affordable housing

Jeremy Leaf, north London estate agent and a former RICS residential chairman, says: “This news is particularly disappointing, not just because of the delay in providing what in many areas is much needed high quality affordable housing but it prolongs the uncertainty for local residents who were already concerned about the outcome, not just on their local communities but the use and occupation of these properties.