GOVERNMENT plans to build three million new homes in the next 12 years have struck a sour note with the majority of the English public, according to the results of a major opinion poll published today.

The poll, by ICM, which was commissioned by the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) shows that 53% of the population believe this is too many; 46% think it would damage community life; and a massive 77% believe more to be done to bring the nation’s 700,000 empty homes back into use.

Says the CPRE: “This survey shows that the public would show more sympathy towards the Government’s proposals if house building was accompanied by strong measures to tackle urban dereliction, and bring back into use empty properties. Welcome progress has been made, with around three quarters of new homes now built on brownfield land, but more is needed.

“We welcome the Government’s decision, announced this week, to set up a National Brownfield Forum. To make further progress, we need to address the chronic shortage of regeneration skills. We must secure the commitment of Whitehall, communities, planners and developers, to making brownfield regeneration the priority when it comes to providing the housing we need.”