The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) is calling on the Conservative Party to focus on small builders, following the announcement that the party plans to deliver over 200,000 homes for first-time buyers.

Chief Executive of the FMB, Brian Berry, said that while he supports the ambition of the Starter Home policy it is important to make sure it is delivered by a wide range of builders.

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Mr Berry said: "Taken together, announcements on housing set out by the Conservatives over the last few days amount to a welcome set of proposals. The continuation of more relaxed rules on home extensions until 2020 will support extra work for small builders and provide them with greater long term business certainty.

"What's more, these proposals are good for home owners as they give them greater freedom to improve their properties with the consent of their neighbours – it should be recognised that by and large these arrangements have worked well."

(CD)