In its latest research paper, the NFB argues community density is not defined by scale but rather “good design collaboration and placemaking” and a move away from negatively perceived high-rise buildings.

This includes incorporating local authorities’ expectations for shared resources - such as roof gardens, renewable energy, underground parking, service spaces - to better reflect community needs.

As a result, the NFB has argued this will help developers improve their chances of obtaining approval first-time around and to avoid costly delays from resubmissions.

The NFB is putting forward three steps to make the most of this approach.

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First, the FEB is calling on local planning authorities (LPAs) to decide what a development should offer, with the developer free to choose the scale to make those requirements a commercial reality. Streamlined planning permission would then be possible.

Secondly, the NFB is encouraging the government to use its New Towns programme and chooses five LPAs and trial a government-supported ‘Community Density Planning Permission’.

And third, the NFB is recommending that such projects are monitored for effectiveness to ensure that council and region wide needs are being satisfied.

Commenting on these findings, NFB head of policy and market insight Rico Wojtulewicz, head of Policy and Market Insight said that community density makes sense “for all”.

“If we waste the chance to embed community density as a principle of delivery, the housing crisis in all its forms will continue into the next generation and beyond,” said Rico.

“Let’s stop fearing tall buildings and instead ensure they represent better places for people to live and thrive.”