A group of more than 200 SME housebuilders have signed a letter to the prime minister calling for a change of course in housing policy to save their businesses.

The letter, which will be presented to number 10 today, says SME housebuilders face “multiple existential threats” to their survival.

It outlines a “cumbersome and inefficient planning process” and the government’s proposed national planning policy reforms – including the watering down of mandatory local housing targets - as factors making it difficult for SMEs to operate. It also lists anti-development restrictions from government quangos including Natural England, the burden of new taxes, regulations and policies and skills shortages.