Planning permission figures released by the Government does not equate to homes actually being built, according to the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).

However, the organisation stated the latest announcement reveals a 'welcome' increase in permissions being granted.

The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) statistics show that 261,000 new homes were granted planning permission in the year to March, the highest total for eight years.

Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: "These statistics show that we are moving in the right direction but unfortunately planning permissions do not always result in homes being delivered."

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Mr Berry said that in order to keep pace with demand, the UK needs to deliver 240,000 homes each year.

However, last year only 120,000 homes were built.

He added that the level of planning permissions being granted 'might suggest' that the housebuilding target is within easy reach.

Mr Berry said: "We are working closely with government on removing barriers to house building – particularly barriers to small local builders which are recognised as being vital to reaching our overall target for more new homes."

The FMB chief executive concluded one of the real barriers to housebuilding is a 'growing lack' of skilled workers.

He said: "We are facing a skills time bomb with too few bricklayers, site managers, carpenters and joiners to physically build these homes and we are working with government to ensure new apprenticeships can help fill these roles in the medium to longer term."

(LM)