<p>The government’s target of building 3 million homes by 2020 is “almost impossible” and could be missed by up to nine years unless ministers intervene further in the housing market according to David Orr, chief executive of the National Housing Federation. Orr’s comments will reinforce the fears of many in the industry that the current market difficulties are likely to see a sharp drop in the number of new homes being built, with some forecasting that fewer than 100,000 private sector new homes will be built in England this year, down from 150,000 in 2007. </p> <p>Orr says it is time for the government to be radical and housing associations to be creative to deal with the changed market. “If we get this right,” he said, “housing associations could be in a position to lead the recovery in housebuilding.” Last year, housing associations built 30,677 homes. But Orr added that with the right level of government support, associations could build up to 70,000 new homes a year by 2011 – to significantly boost the chances of the 2020 target being met. Among a package of suggested measures, Orr called for an increase in the level of grant for each new …