More than half of those surveyed in an influential government-backed poll have said they supported the development of new housing schemes in their local area.

The latest findings of the annual British Social Attitudes (BSA) survey, which is backed by a number of government departments including the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, revealed that 57% of people polled last year said they were happy to see more homes being built in their neighbourhood, while 23% opposed such developments.