Every time there are proposals to reform the planning system, the allegation resurfaces that the real impediment to building more homes is land banking developers. The claims focus on two "facts" - the proportion of planning applications that are approved, and the number of homes with planning permission which are apparently unbuilt. The figures quoted in both cases are misleading.
In this piece for Showhouse magazine our managing director, Paul Smith, explains - yet again - why house builders don't try to manipulate house prices by withholding homes with planning permission from the market.
