Using planning obligations to get more homes built could work well in Northern Ireland, however lessons must be learned from other parts of the UK and Ireland, according to the Chartered Institute of Housing Northern Ireland (CIH NI).

Speaking after CIH NI's seminar on developer contributions policy and public affairs officer Justin Cartwright said: "There is broad agreement in the industry that private developers have a vital and positive role to play in building more social homes. The Department for Social Development (DSD) proposes that an 'affordable housing contribution' should apply to all developments of five homes or more. There needs to be a standard, viable rate of contribution that will provide transparency and direction for the department and developers alike. The seminar heard that builders should not start with a 'blank sheet' at the negotiating table every time they start a new development of five homes."

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Housing professionals from across Northern Ireland came together for the event which focused on lessons learned from England. Attendees included house-builders, housing associations and housing organisations, planners, academics and economists.

(CD/IT)