Planning min-ister Greg Clark said the changes in England were “absolutely crucial” but he also agreed to talk to opponents of the proposals.He said “particular aspects” could be addressed if groups such as the National Trust felt they were unclear.

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’ Shadow communities minister Jack Dromey said he welcomed the government’s willingness to talk.Mr Clark said the government would not back down on its aim to boost house-building and encourage business.

Greg Clark defends reforms to the current systemMr Clark told the BBC it was “absolutely crucial” for the government to simplify plan-ning processes so that homes could be built and to encour-age business.“We’re building fewer homes than can accom-modate young people that need to be housed, we’ve got a problem of homelessness, over-crowding, poverty as rents riseand it’s crucial that when they’re thinking of Britain as a place to relocate they know they won’t have to wait years with vast expense and uncertainty.”

The housing minister denied

there would be any back-tracking on the plans, despite

his agreement to hold talks.He said it was “quite right” to

consult because of the extent of the changes, and invited oppo-

nents to be very specific about any concerns.

“Let’s be forensic about this - if there are particular aspects or sentences that

you don’t think express clearly enough the protections that are there, then let’s

talk about it.

Greg Clark defends reforms to the current systemMr Clark told the BBC it was “absolutely crucial” for the government to simplify planning processes so that homes could be built and to encourage business.“We’re building fewer homes than can accommodate young people that need to be housed, we’ve got a problem of homelessness, overcrowding, poverty as rents rise.

For companies expanding or relocating they need a new building and it’s crucial that when they’re thinking of Britain as a place to relocate they know they won’t have to wait years with vast expense and uncertainty.”