The backlog of unbuilt homes that have been granted planning permission has grown by 100,00 in the last year, new research has revealed.
The analysis by Shelter and the House Builders Federation shows that 40% of homes granted planning permission in England go unbuilt. This equates to more than 380,000 homes between 2011 and 2019.
Shelter said the figures show planning reforms will not boost housebuilding by themselves but more investment in social housing is required.
Polly Neate, chief executive of Shelter, said: 'The idea that the planning system is stopping homes being built is a myth. Across the country hundreds of thousands of “phantom homes” sit on sites with planning permission fully approved. Rubber stamps are no replacement for direct investment in high-quality housing.
'The government must roll up its sleeves and build the homes local communities really need, now more than ever in the face of a COVID-recession. It should spend the cash its set aside for housing that much faster and start building social homes now.'
