It is imperative that the government ‘gets it right’ when it unveils the new National Planning Policy Framework, according to the Home Builders Federation (HBF).

Steve Turner, head of communications at the organisation, said that the regulations could be released in the next few weeks and it is important that these support other initiatives which are currently ongoing.

“We need to see a positive pro-growth planning system emerge that will allow the homes we need to be built, and will allow these additional policies that they are announcing to help them do that,” added Mr Turner.

However, Sir Simon Jenkins, chairman of the National Trust, said that he is worried about the effect on the countryside that the framework could have.

He warned that he was “concerned with the fate of the countryside” and the new regulations were one of the great threats to it.

Concerns revolve around a ‘presumption in favour of sustainable development’, which could make it easier for developers to build on countryside.

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