Recent statistics have shown over 40,000 new homes were started in England for the first quarter of 2015.

The Home Builders Federation (HBF) suggests the figures show the rate of housebuilding in the country is increasing.

This year experienced an 11% improvement in the number of new properties developed compared to the same period in 2014.

In last year alone, 137,310 new homes were started, a 10% increase from 2013.


However, the HBF has stated that the figures are some way off the 230,000 homes a year needed in England.

The HBF has urged the Government to address the delays in the planning system and ensure the local authorities have sufficient resources and capacity to deal with the increasing volume of applications.

John Stewart, Director of Economic Affairs at the HBF, said: "These figures are yet another sign that the house building industry is responding to more positive market conditions, along with the added boost from Help to Buy Equity Loan, to raise housing supply."

"But despite these increases we are still a long way from delivering the number of homes the country needs.

"Significant constraints remain, and if the Government is to deliver on its manifesto commitment to further increase build rates we now need to see more action."

(LM)