Minister Nick Boles will today say previously undeveloped land is needed for new homes.

A minister will today announce a scheme which aims to persuade communities to back house building on undeveloped land around their towns and villages.

Planning minister Nick Boles will say in a speech that it is vital Britain increases the number of homes it builds, but will add that people should not be forced into accepting developments they do not want.

Instead communities that give their backing to house building, possibly on greenfield sites, will be handed cash to spend on improving facilities in their area.

Mr Boles will say: “We can pass by on the other side while working men and women in their twenties and thirties have to live with their parents or share bedrooms with friends.

“We can shrug our shoulders as home ownership reverts to what it was in the 19th Century; a privilege, the exclusive preserve of people with large incomes or wealthy parents.

“Or we can accept that we are going to have to build on previously undeveloped land and resolve that we will make these decisions locally and build beautiful places like we used to.”

Councils have the power to charge developers a Community Infrastructure Levy when they build in their area.

Under Mr Boles plan, town and parish councils that back building in their area would get 25pc of money gained through the charge.

Mr Boles will add: “This government is determined to persuade communities to accept more house-building by giving them a tangible share of the benefits it brings.

“By undertaking a neighbourhood plan that makes space for new development, communities can secure revenues to make the community more attractive for everyone.”