In times of crisis the level of government control over our lives often gets turned up a notch. This tends to be accepted as necessary, however uncomfortable. <p></p><p> And so it is with the massive housing under-supply we currently face, which is certain to worsen before it starts to ease. This is a national crisis. Even those fortunate enough to be on the housing ladder are starting to experience the effects, through disintegrating public services and teacher shortages. </p><p> Government control over housing is stepping up perceptibly. Affordable housing requirements are becoming more onerous, and housing design and density issues are fast moving up the agenda. </p><p> We&amp;’ve been told the government plans to take control of decisions on developments with fewer than 30 homes per hectare. And at a recent conference Lord Rooker called four-bedroom detached dwellings a &amp;“waste of land&amp;” that must be stopped. He said a &amp;“density directive&amp;” would be announced which will remove any doubt that they&amp;’re serious.</p><p> Similar noises are being made about design. The government is adamant that while the rate of housebuilding needs to shift up a few gears, the mistakes of the post-war build programme to ease the last housing crisis will …