John Cridland, CBI director general, spoke to the conference of the three main priorities for the CBI Construction Council which aims to ensure sustainable housing growth. They are planning and land availability; the mortgage market; and sustainability and the Green Deal. <br> <br> “The Localism Bill could ultimately have the effect of increasing housing supply,” said Cridland . “The right balance needs to be struck between localism and economic growth, and they should be mutually reinforcing. <br> <br> “There’s a significant risk that while the industry and councils and their communities get to grips with the new planning regime that a hiatus could occur. This could lead to fewer decisions being made, growth being frustrated and housing supply being squeezed even further. Business is sceptical. The New Homes Bonus may work in Doncaster, but will it work in Dorking? Neighbourhood plans may lead to more development in Camden, but are they likely to in Canterbury? The jury’s still out on this.”<br> <br>