<p>Local authorities have been given greater power to determine the size, type and affordability of housing on individual developments under planning policy statement three (PPS3). Speaking at the publication of the policy, housing minister Yvette Cooper said: \"It is the first time the planning system will have taken in the needs of children by encouraging a higher proportion of family homes and space for children.\" PPS3 requires local authorities to carry out a strategic housing market assessment for their area, from which they will set out the proportion of market housing each household type is likely to require – such as \"multi person,”\"single person\" or \"couples,\" and the likely proportion of households that require market or affordable housing. </p> <p>They will also be asked to set out the size and type of affordable housing required. The policy takes a more flexible approach than its predecessor, PPG3, on issues such as density and car parking. But Cooper warned against planning applications that do not fit in with local development plans\' dwelling mix objectives: \"If developers don\'t provide mixed communities they will be turned down.\" HBF director of economic affairs John Stewart pointed out: \"Local authorities will be encouraged to prescribe the …