House builder Barratt has called for changes to the planning system, after a government report into the sector.

The Treasury-backed Barker report aimed to examine UK housing shortages.

Barratt chief executive David Pretty said the system needed "simplified and speeded up" so builders can "quickly increase housing provision."

His comments came as Barratt announced financial results for the six months to 31 December, with a 35% rise in first-half pre-tax profits of £142m.

During the second half of the year, Barratt sold 6,705 new homes in the UK, 10% up on the previous year, and are on course to achieve 14,000 sales over the full year.

Mr Pretty said: "Our sales are at record levels as we continue to experience good demand on all our developments right across the country.

"The housing market remains robust and is underpinned by low interest rates, good affordability, high employment levels and limited supply."

Newcastle-based Barratt builds homes across Britain and also has operations in California. agri-business.