Cut delays

I aM an architect and have been asked to design three flats in a redundant building in the heart of uxbridge, Middlesex.

no external alterations are required yet planning permission has taken almost two years. Is it any wonder there is a housing supply problem?

now we have permission, we have been informed we need to pay the council £35,000 for the privilege of constructing the flats.

this cost will be passed on to the purchasers of the flats. politicians complain housing is unaffordable, yet councils are adding excessive charges and delaying projects.

If the Government wants to increase the number of homes available, it should allow a change to residential use without the need for planning permission.

ALEX KING, Bolnore, W. Sussex.