A Public First poll of 2,005 adults conducted in July found 55% would generally support new housing or developments in their local area. The research also showed clear splits by politics and region: Labour supporters were most likely to back new schemes at 72%, and those aged 25 to 34 were the most likely to be Yimby at 67%. By contrast, 44% of Reform supporters and residents in the East of England tended to oppose building in their locality, with an overall 33% saying they would generally oppose development.

Public First said the findings point to public backing for housing while noting the planning system does not always reflect that sentiment. Jack Airey, the organisation’s director for housing and infrastructure, said: ‘Most people instinctively support new development, yet their voices go unheard.’ The report recommends changes to surveys and questions about how residents would want councils to spend funds set aside for development. The Prime Minister announced in December new mandatory targets for councils on housebuilding and said the plan would put builders first and overhaul the planning system to help working families.

Angela Rayner, the Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary, said Labour would overhaul the planning system as part of a broader push to expand social and affordable housing.