In the run-up to the general election, a slew of housebuilding promises have been made. This week, Labour has renewed its pledge to build 1.5 million new homes over the next five years, which was trumped by the Conservatives’ manifesto commitment of 1.6 million homes over the same period.

Meanwhile the Liberal Democrats have announced they will build 380,000 homes a year, with 150,000 of them being affordable, while  the Greens have set out a similar target for social housing.  

Although these numbers appear seductive, it is worth bearing in mind that the last time such ambitious development targets were met was nearly half a century ago.