AIM-listed Inland Homes, which develops properties across the South and South East of England, has launched a campaign to ensure planning committee members receive a formal planning qualification.

The firm seems particularly aggrieved that its plans for 50 homes in High Wycombe, which it said fully accords with local planning guides and was recommended for approval, was not favoured by the planning committee.

Chief executive Stephen Wicks said: “If planning reform is to work, urgent attention also needs to be given to the people charged with implementing that reform.

“Too often we see policy compliant schemes, recommended for approval by planning officers, arbitrarily rejected at committee hearing. While appeal usually results in these decisions being overturned, each delay slows our ability to address the ongoing shortage of critically needed affordable homes.”

Wicks said other housebuilders and industry professionals should add their names to the petition.

“They are experiencing the same frustrations,” he added.