Partner Article

Figures reveal housing shortfall

A new report has predicted that up to 200,000 new houses could be required in the North East to meet the needs of the region’s growing economy.

The North East Chamber of Commerce (NECC) and Nathaniel Lichfield & Partners, a town planning and economics consultancy have jointly produced a report identifying the framework for local housing requirements based on housing, economics and demographic factors.

Previous estimates have indicated that the region would need a minimum of 55,000 new homes over the next 16 years, but this did not take into account the anticipated economic growth.

If the figures released today are correct, this could put local authorities in line for a £1,252m government grant from the New Homes Bonus Scheme, established to provide an incentive for house building.

Philip Baker, chairman of NECC’s development group said: “We need to see local authorities embrace the opportunities this presents and to work with developers to provide a pipeline of sites to deliver homes where people want to live.”

If the council implements the recommendations, the building programme could also provide a much needed employment boost to the construction sector.

It has been estimated that for every 50,000 houses built, 3000 permanent full-time jobs would be created.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .