A cross-party think tank this morning said that the Government’s commitment to increasing the number of homes built is commendable – but does not solve the problem of where those homes will be built.

The report, by Demos, also says that ministers should take more seriously local opposition to new housing and not simply dismiss it as nimbysim.

The report says: “Rather than being motivated by selfish, financial concerns, most opposition is born out of genuine concern for the community and a lack of transparency and trust in the planning process.”

The Community Builders report says local people may oppose house building plans because they are worried about loss of green space and amenities.

It suggests that local support could instead by mustered by encouraging greater local ownership over house building.

It says there should be community-led developments and much greater transparency in decision making.

The report says that Whitehall should not step in to drive projects forward but notes that “local hostilities towards house-building are stopping many much-needed developments from even reaching application stage”.

It goes on: “Of the modest number reaching councils, almost 20% are being rejected nationally, in the face of one of the most acute housing shortages in our history.”

Report author Charlie Cadywould said: “The shortage of affordable housing is one of the biggest problems we face.

“It’s good to see that the Chancellor is committed to building more homes, with last month’s doubling of the housing budget.

“However, money is just one side of the equation. We also have to find a place to build all these new homes.”