The new Labour government has been slammed by Norfolk campaigners as "barking up the wrong tree" over its proposals to get more houses built.

The Norfolk branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England said new chancellor Rachel Reeves was going after the wrong targets in forcing mandatory housing goals on local councils.

David HookDavid Hook (Image: Archant � 2009)

David Hook, from CPRE Norfolk said: "She has blamed planners and has said they are the blockers.

"But the planners have done their bit and have allocated the land for building.

"I'd say it's the developers who are the blockers, because they are 'land banking'.

"They are waiting so they can sell the homes at the highest possible price."

Rachel ReevesRachel Reeves (Image: Press Association)

Ms Reeves, in her first speech since Labour's General Election victory, said she would reinstate compulsory housebuilding targets for local councils, as part of plans to build 1.5m new homes in the next five years.

Former levelling up secretary Michael Gove removed mandatory targets in 2023 and councils across the country revised their housebuilding plans down.

Michael GoveMichael Gove

However, Mr Hook said, in Norfolk, thousands of homes previously allocated for housing in development blueprints, had still not been built.

He said: "There are areas like the North East Norwich Growth Triangle, where thousands of homes were allocated, where hardly any building has happened.

"I think she has misunderstood how the housing market works. She's barking up the wrong tree when it comes to places like Norfolk."

New homes take shape in NorfolkNew homes take shape in Norfolk (Image: Mike Page)

Mr Hook said the key to solving the housing crisis was for more homes with affordable rent to be built.

Ms Reeves insisted she wanted to see social and affordable homes built.

The chancellor said: "We are not going to let people off the hook, we want affordable housing and we want housing for social rent as well.

"That is an important part of the mix. So this is not a green light for any type of housing."

Trade body the Builders Merchants Federation said the involvement of smaller firms was "critically important to get anywhere near" the target.