Live discussion: is the NPPF the answer to the housing crisis?

Planning minister Greg Clark announced the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) in a major shake up of planning regulations that he pledged will "help build the homes the next generation needs". Replacing over 1,000 pages of "often inpentrable jargon" with a single 50-page document, Clark said the new framework aims to put power in the hands of the community, better support economic growth, and ensure the conditions of "cherished" countryside, towns and cities are improved. George Osborne called the announcement the "biggest reduction of business red tape ever undertaken". The changes includes a presumption in favour of sustainable development, which the government claims will boost growth without harming communities or the environment. The framework also detailed plans to prioritise the development brownfield over greenfield sites, protecting the green belt, national parks and playing fields. The changes were broadly welcomed by housebuilders and housing providers, who saw new planning rules as a route to streamlining the development process. However, concerns about the impact of the policy on those struggling to meet housing costs were raised by Shelter's chief executive Campbell Robb. "It's extremely disappointing that the new framework has weakened the definition of affordable housing, and loosened requirements for developers to build affordable homes," Robb said. "We're concerned that this will lead to less affordable housing being built for local people who need it." So will the NPPF help ease our housing crisis? How will social landlords be affected by the changes and how will the framework affect families in housing need? Join our expert panel from 12pm on Monday 2 April to discuss whether the NPPF could be the answer to the housing crisis, or leave a question for the panel in advance. Panel Richard Blyth is head of policy and practice at the Royal Town Planning Institute. He was previously at consultants Capita Symonds where he worked on commissions for local authorities on infrastructure planning to support core strategies, and for a number of private clients on regeneration schemes Siân Sankey joined the Chartered Institute of Housing as policy manager in 2011 where she focuses on planning, localism and the private rented sector. She provides policy and research analysis of current and future housing debates to support members and housing professionals in their roles David Brock is a consultant solicitor at Keystone Law. A leading planning lawyer, his developments include Canary Wharf and Cambourne New Settlement. He is a member and former chair of the Law Society's Planning and Environmental Law Committee Martin Wheatley is an independent advisor, representing his client the National Housing Federation in the discussion. He has worked closely on NPPF for the NHF and in his former role as environment programme director at the Local Government Association Edward Gilder is the land and planning manager for Badger Building in East Anglia. Edward negotiates land deals and obtains necessary permissions for development to take place Christopher Proudley is a partner in the planning team at international law firm Trowers & Hamlins, and he specialises in planning and compulsory purchase. He advises both the public and private sectors on all related matters and has practiced in this area since qualification Kate Houghton is a planning officer at the Campaign to Protect Rural England. CPRE campaigns for a beautiful and living countryside, and believes that the plan-led system is the best means of delivering development we need without unnecessarily damaging the countryside Jeremy Blackburn is head of UK policy at The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). RICS is the world's leading professional body in land, property and construction. RICS also acts in the public interest providing impartial, authoritative advice on key issues for the built and natural environments, such as the NPPF Liz Peace became chief executive of the British Property Federation in 2002, following a long and varied career in the MOD, working on a diverse range of projects including Northern Ireland, nuclear safety, land acquisitions and public enquiries Ian Blacker is head of planning advisory services at John Rowan and Partners. Ian is a highly experienced planning consultant with expertise on projects such as The Shard and the US Embassy in London as well as large scale housing projects. This content is brought to you by Guardian Professional. Join the housing network for news, views and the latest jobs