The New Homes Accelerator will initially target 200 large sites which have outline or detailed plans ready to go but are yet to begin construction.

The planning hit squad consists of an experienced team from the Ministry of Housing and Homes England.

It will work across government and with local councils to accelerate the build-out of housing schemes delayed by planning and red tape.

Rayner said: “Our New Homes Accelerator will quickly identify blockages, fix problems and support local authorities and developers to get shovels in the ground.”

Sites to benefit will include Stretton Hall in Leicestershire, Tendring Colchester Borders Garden Community in Essex, and Biggleswade Garden Community in Central Bedfordshire.

Mark Skilbeck, UK Planning Director at Taylor Wimpey said: “We have long been clear that there is a need to address the significant delays and resource constraints we are seeing in the planning system, and to move to a much more strategic approach to planning.

“We look forward to working with the government to help unblock sites where we have seen delays, to deliver the homes and economic growth the country needs.”

Tim Beale, CEO at Keepmoat said: “The current situation is deeply frustrating, so I am very hopeful that this will be a positive step towards unlocking the delivery of our stalled developments, helping us to continue working with our Partners to build more of the high quality new homes that the UK needs.”