The group calling itself Building Futures suggests that too many planning applications are determined on “political whims” rather than adherence to Local Plans.

The group including Land Securities [Britain’s largest listed property company] and Countryside Properties among others, has formed in response to the Conservative agenda of enhanced localism which would include letting councils decide how many new houses they want to accommodate.

Building Futures fears that this will just encourage “nimbysism” and stifle whatever development may emerge from the rubble of the recession. Its independent survey of 515 councils revealed that 57% of all councillors think that the government’s proposed housing targets are too high with just 14% holding the view that they were too low. In the south east even more councillors think the housing numbers are too high despite the fact that even more homes are needed in this region.

The group plans to meet with shadow housing minister Bob Neill early in the new year to press for a national planning framework that could inform local planning decisions.