The Town and Country Planning Association (TCPA) has welcomed calls for the UK Government to refocus the planning system.

A recent report by the House of Lords Built Environment Committee has urged the importance of ensuring the planning system creates good quality homes as well as tackling the housing crisis.

In addition, calls have been made to return to 'important' design and quality standards for new housing including zero-carbon homes, while more must be down to protect/promote green infrastructure and sustainability.

The report also suggests ensuring suitable housing is being built to provide for the ageing population and those with disabilities.

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Currently, the government is consulting on the Housing and Planning Bill, which is at the committee stage in the House of Lords.

Kate Henderson, Chief Executive of the TCPA said: "The Committee is right to focus on the quality of places that we create, rather than just housing numbers. I hope that the government heeds the advice from the House of Lords as it consults on further detail in the Housing and Planning Bill.

"We agree with the Committee that our homes and communities have the opportunity to enhance our quality of life, health and wellbeing.  People don't want to live in unsustainable shoe-box homes without access to decent local services and that is why the Committee is right to call for a return to place-making standards such as Lifetime and zero carbon homes.

"As the recent effects of climate change have been seen with flooding across the country, it is vital that we adapt the way we build to create more resilient places. We support the Committee's recommendation that there needs to be a wider recognition of green infrastructure with regards to economic, health and social benefits."

(LM)