72% of people agree that Britain needs more homes, and while a majority would prefer that new homes were not built on their own street, 71% would have no objections to building more homes in their town or village.

This is according to a new poll published today which also shows that 55% think that their council should actively encourage more house building in their area.

The results of the poll, conducted by YouGov for the House Builders Federation, reflect deep-seated concerns about the affordability of homes in Britain: 67% of people believe that housing affordability is a serious problem for young people and for people on average incomes. The need for homes for first-time buyers tops the list of what should matter most when building new homes.

The poll also reveals that most people are not opposed to the sensible development of greenfield land. 65% of people agree that, "New homes should be built on greenfield sites if they are needed locally, no brownfield sites are available and care is taken to preserve the environment as far as possible."

The poll is released on the day of the House Builders Federation conference focusing on Kate Barker's Review of Housing Supply. The Barker Review, published in March 2004, was commissioned by the Chancellor and the Deputy Prime Minister to investigate the adequacy of housing supply in the UK. The report concludes that continuing the current low rate of house building is not a realistic option.

The Review estimates that between 70,000-120,000 extra private homes are needed each year in England and recommends a number of reforms to the planning system.

"This poll is extremely revealing about public attitudes towards house building," says Rob Ashmead, Chief Executive of the House Builders Federation.

"It helps to redefine the terms of debate. The public clearly recognises that we face a serious housing problem. More importantly, people want to address it - even when this means building new homes in their own area."

"All too often the debate about house building is dominated by a group of vocal, well organised NIMBYs. This poll shows how unrepresentative they can be."

"We need to move away from whether Britain needs more homes to how we provide them - in a rational, responsible and sustainable way that takes on board all the concerns that increased house building inevitably raises."