Communities that tackle the legacy of inadequate house-building and choose to accept new housing will benefit directly from new generous cash incentives.

Neighbourhoods that take a proactive approach by drawing up a neighbourhood development plan, and securing the consent of local people in a referendum, will receive 25% of the revenues from the Community Infrastructure Levy arising from the development that they choose to accept.

A radical new Right to Build will today put the power to grant planning permission firmly in the hands of communities, Housing Minister Grant Shapps will say today.

The Minister will make £17million available to help local people get their building projects off the drawing board - with an 'early bird bonus' for those that move quickly and get their plans in early.

And a new support hub launched today will offer the help and advice they need.