<p>The recent results season has demonstrated that housebuilders have, for the most part, managed to maintain solid margins and turnover growth despite the fluctuations in the housing market experienced during the past 12 months. Many companies have significantly altered their business models to increase efficiencies and keep pace with changing market conditions – the introduction of new affordable homes ranges for first time buyers being one noticeable development. </p> <p>Demands on housebuilders from customers, government and competitors across the construction industry are growing. And while developers rise to meet the challenge of increasing housing output, they may rightfully ask for government to fulfil its side of the bargain and provide a framework within which their businesses can not only survive but thrive. </p> <p>This means government must make good its promise to improve the planning system and take a flexible approach to land supply. These requests are not new. But they are growing in urgency against the backdrop of a proposed planning gain supplement, the forthcoming planning policy on housing, PPS3, and the government’s plans to increase environmental performance standards for new homes when energy performance certificates are introduced as part of home information packs next June.</p> <p>HBF executive chairman …