In the run-up to the general election the main political parties have now published their manifestos, writes David Jones of Evans Jones.

It is fair to say that the planning system and housing has not been front and centre in either the manifestos or any of the early debates. Analysis of the contrasting approach (or not so contrasting) is set out below, comparing the alternative approaches within each manifesto.

The planning system has been a source of contention for many years. Boris at the start of his tenure pronounced that the planning system is broken and unfit for purpose, Liz Truss pronounced the end of 'Stalinist' housing targets, followed by constant tinkering to policy under Rishi Sunak's tenure.

So, what does the future hold? At the Labour manifesto launch, Iceland MD Richard Walker stated that the current planning system "has been the biggest drag on this country's performance for years".

The long-standing issues within the planning system necessitate significant reform to rejuvenate and repair a broken and unworkable system. 'Change' will require prompt and decisive action. As with any change of government there will be a period of uncertainty post-election. Even with swift implementation, some policy changes will require consultation yet further delaying local plan preparation as councils strive to adapt to new guidance and regulation.

Housing targets have been the 'poison chalice' for the current government. The Conservative manifesto seeks to deliver 1.6m new homes. Regrettably there is no coherent clue as to how this aspiration could be secured.

Labour is the only party committed to reinstating mandatory housing targets. However, the persistent shortfall in housing numbers suggests that housing deficits may continue in the short to medium term. Coincidentally, Labour's manifesto release coincided with government statistics indicating a downward trend in the number of approved planning applications.

Addressing staffing shortfalls in planning departments is welcomed. However, recruitment is not quick, meaning that delay decision-making will persist. The Labour and Liberal Democrat manifestos both advocate delivering housing growth via new towns, yet these ambitious projects take 10-20 years to come to fruition, requiring extensive time to assemble land, secure well planned development schemes and are equipped with the necessary infrastructure to be desirable living areas. Furthermore, new towns do nothing to assist SME developers who have the skills and agility to deliver homes in the shorter term.

Reform to the planning system is necessary to address long standing issues and underinvestment. Whilst some policy commitments are welcomed, implementation lacks detail, making it difficult to assess how effectively any incoming government will address a broken system and deliver upon the aspirations set out within all the primary manifestos namely to significantly boost housing supply.

David Jones is managing director of Evans Jones, planning and development consultants, and board member of the Gloucestershire Design Review Panel.