The National Housing and Planning Advice Unit (NHPAU) has claimed, ahead of their annual conference which takes place today at Central Hall, Westminster, that attitudes to new housing development need to change to tackle the national housing shortage.
NHPAU chair Professor Steve Nickell said: "Many people are simply in denial about the new housing we need. If we don’t provide enough new homes, more people will live in overcrowded conditions, more young people will be forced to continue living with their parents, and the aspirations of millions to live in the kind of homes they want, where they want, will be dashed."
"We cannot go on dodging the housing challenge. It is vital that regional and local planners give due weight to the obligations that the Government has placed on them to take account of affordability."
A report published today indicates more than half of homeowners would oppose more homes being built in their area compared to less than a third of non-homeowners.
The research, conducted by YouGov, also shows that nine out of ten 18-34-year olds who do not currently own their own home cannot afford to buy an average-priced first-time-buyer home.
[The National Housing and Planning Advice Unit (NHPAU) was established in response to the pressing issue of housing affordability highlighted by Kate Barker's Review of Housing Supply (2004).
It is a non-departmental public body, sponsored by Communities and Local Government, designated to provide independent advice on affordability matters to the Government, Regional Assemblies and other stakeholders with an interest in the housing market.
Further information can be found on the NHPAU website at www.communities.gov.uk/nhpau/.]
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