Linden Homes' Philip Davies says planning policy is to blame for growth in buy to let investments.
A leading housing developer has hit out at the Government's criticism of the growth of buy to let investors.
In a report on affordability and housing supply published today, the Government said the prominence of buy to let investors is distorting local housing markets.
However Philip Davies, chief executive of Linden Homes, said the "growing arming' of private landlords is a result of the Government's planning policy."
He said, "Housebuilders [are required] to build high density homes on the limited land released for development, in other words, apartments."
"Developments of family homes are becoming like gold dust as they fail to meet the criteria of local planning authorities… meaning housebuilders are having to adapt their product to suit what they are permitted to build."
Five years ago, Linden Homes built 70% houses and 30% apartments, according to Davies. However, this figure has been reversed, with the company now building 70% apartments and 30% homes.
Davies said local authorities should be given more power to decide the housing mix required by their community and housebuilders should be left to ‘get on with the job'.
Davies said, "It is young families who are suffering. Hopefully this report will drive the issue home to the Government."
