Central Bank boss and Housing Minister at odds over Government plans to ease lending rules around housebuilding 

'The number one issue on housing is not finance. The number one issue on housing is planning'

Central Bank chief Gabriel Makhlouf said he wants to ensure planning rules are being implemented in a way that supports the construction of housing. Picture: Leon Farrell/© RollingNews.ie

The Housing Minister and the governor of the Central Bank have butted heads over plans to ease lending rules to allow property developers borrow more money to boost the building of apartments.

Central Bank chief Gabriel Makhlouf poured cold water on the plans saying his "very strong advice" would be for Housing Minister James Browne and his department to take stock of existing interventions and ensure they are mutually supportive before introducing another.