The Home Builders Federation has defended the housebuilding industry against government claims that it builds "identikit Legoland" housing. Housing minister Grant Shapps today (March 9) criticised new home design and called on the industry to build developments that reflect the identity of the local area. He has written to the Design Council asking it to help developers and local communities build homes sensitive to the local aesthetic. "We all recognise the bog standard, identikit Legoland homes that typify some new developments," said Shapps. "Whilst we are seeing good examples emerging, too often new developments are dominated by the same, identikit designs that bear no resemblance to the character of the local area." But HBF executive chairman Stewart Baseley said: "Developers already build a range of house types and designs, homes that overwhelmingly surveys show customers are happy with. Housebuilders stand ready to work with local communities to deliver the homes they need and want ." He said that politicians need to focus on developing policies that will create an environment in which "developers can deliver the homes the country needs".