<p><span>The government is on course to reach its target of 1 million new homes during its parliamentary term but “many more” should be built, according to levelling up secretary Michael Gove.</span><span></span></p> <p><span>Speaking at the Conservative party conference in Manchester, the levelling up secretary said that new homes built would also be energy efficient and carbon neutral. </span></p> <p><span>He stated that his party was the party of beauty and nature as well as of opportunity and ownership. The Conservatives, he said, would “resist the proposals of the Labour party” to build homes on the green belt.</span></p> <p><span>Gove said: “</span>We are on track to deliver a million new homes in this parliament. But we need many more. And our long-term plan for housing will deliver the attractive, affordable new homes that we need.<span></span></p> <p>“We will build in the heart of towns and cities and on brownfield land because that cuts commuting times, it helps revitalise high streets and it protects the green belt.”</p> <p>Reacting to Gove’s statements, James Dickens, Wavensmere Homes’ md, said it was “interesting” that the levelling up secretary had reiterated the government’s 1 million homes aim. “<span>Planning and pre-construction delays are likely to result in half the targeted 300,000 …