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Tony Mulhall, Senior Specialist at RICS, analyses the impact of government policy on SME housebuilders, who have seen their share of new homes decline significantly since the GFC. He argues that achieving the ambitious target of 1.5 million new homes by summer 2029 is jeopardized by two primary, persistent barriers: delays in securing planning permission and a lack of resources in local planning authorities. Mulhall suggests that greater certainty in planning expectations and

Jemma Shorrock argues that achieving the government's ambitious housing targets requires a stronger partnership between public and private sectors and increased capacity within local authorities. She highlights the critical shortage of planning officers and the need for renewed investment in the front line to prevent housing applications from stalling.