As one of the signatories to a letter to the Times newspaper, the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) supports the principles of the new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) to simplify and consolidate planning.

This is a bold approach that recognises the real challenges faced around housing supply and affordability.

CIH does see room for further changes before the NPPF is finalised. It urges the government to address concerns around the capacity and willingness of communities to take control for neighbourhood planning, and to articulate more clearly the role of local councils and councillors in leading the planning process.

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Abigail Davies, CIH Assistant Director of Policy and Practice, said: "Our own research shows that there is a significant minority of people opposed to new houses being built in their area, despite the housing shortage. Our new planning system needs to develop and harness the capacity of local people and communities to shape neighbourhood plans and create more homes for the future."

(CD)