<p>A Conservative government would seek to engage local communities in decision making on new developments and move away from central government control, according to shadow housing minister Grant Shapps. He said the Tories would incentivise local communities so they were minded to accept and even welcome new developments in their area. Speaking at the HBF Policy conference, Shapps dismissed claims that such an approach would fuel nimbyism. “It would be a mistake to blame nimbys, we all want what is best for our families and our area,” he said. “We would incentivise local councils to develop in a way conducive to improving the quality of life in the local area. </p> <p>Like areas where schools are closing, post offices are closing or maybe the local hospital is under threat. If we could give the message that a slightly larger population could turn this round, then we could get community support for new development. “Imagine a world where you are invited in to develop – asked in with open arms because they want to see development in your area,” said Shapps. Shapps argued that the centralisation of the housing delivery process had failed to deliver more homes. “The more the government …