NJL sees signs of recovery in housing market

Manchester-based NJL Consulting reported a rise in demand for residential planning work in the North West for both new and revised developments.

Nick Lee, founding partner of NJL Consulting, said: "We're seeing a surge in enquiries for residential planning projects. The work ranges from new developments to schemes that have previously stalled due to the recession and are no getting back on track, albeit with revised plans to suit current market demands.

"Obviously we are not seeing new developments spring up at the rate they were in the run-up to the recession, but there is still demand for houses that match the needs of the market.

"When the housing market was booming almost any new development would sell, but now there is a surplus of houses consumers are able to be more selective. Even so, there is still demand for developments of quality houses on quality sites."

NJL Consulting recently submitted an application in Kirby Lonsdale, Lancashire, for a total of 34 homes and apartments by Russell Armer Homes on behalf of the landowner. The scheme will include up to 35% affordable homes.

NJL has also been instructed by Taylor Wimpey to amend and re-submit a previously accepted application for a development in Blackley, Manchester. The modified application will still propose to build approximately 130 houses, but will offer a broader mix of size and type of house than the original application in line with current demand.