An independent review has been launched into why housebuilders are failing to deliver hundreds of thousands of homes that have planning permission.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has appointed an expert panel, led by Sir Oliver Letwin, which will look to explain the gap between the number of planning permissions being granted against those built in areas of high demand.

As of July 2016, just over half of the 684,000 homes with planning permission had been completed.


The two-phase review will seek to identify the main causes of the gap and provide recommendations on practical steps to increase the speed of build out.

Sir Oliver Letwin said: "This government is serious about finding ways to increase the speed of build out as well as tackling the complicated issues surrounding it.

"That's why we have set up this diverse panel to help me test my analysis and to make practical, non-partisan recommendations, as we look to increase housing supply that's consistent with a stable UK housing market."

Housing Secretary Sajid Javid added: "We are determined to build the homes this country needs, but currently there is still a significant gap between the number of planning permissions being granted and the number of homes built.

"This review is vital to helping us understand how we can build more homes quickly.

"All parties have a role to play in closing the gap and I look forward to receiving Sir Oliver's findings."

(LM/MH)