A shortage of land coming through the planning system and the growing burden of regulation are the key factors holding back land supply according to a major new industry study commissioned by the government. The Housebuilding industry: promoting recovery in housing supply, an independent study by Professor Michael Ball, examines potential barriers to housing supply and identifies feasible ways to overcome them. <br> <br> The study follows in-depth consultation with the housebuilding industry. At the same time the report informs government policy developments on housebuilding as announced in the Pre-Budget Report, and supports the development of the low carbon construction innovation and growth team (IGT). The housebuilders interviewed highlighted the land and regulation challenges but also expressed concerns over finance (mortgage and development) and the damage the downturn has caused to the supply chain and the pressure it has placed on the general workforce. <br> <br> Within the report, Professor Ball identified five key areas for improvement: increase the supply of land and speed up the planning system; simplify regulations and restrict growth in them; improve access to development finance; sustain and increase innovation and diversity in provision, and boost land assembly processes and utilities provision. Ball said: “Government rightly …