NW short of ‘at least 40,000 housing plots’

The North West is facing a major shortfall in the delivery of new homes over the next five years, according to a new report published by planning consultancy Turley Associates.

North West Housing Land Supply Update, examines housing requirements and land supply across the North West and shows that the region will require at least 178,537 new homes over the next five years to meet local need. The report also shows that there is currently land supply for only 138,318 new homes leaving a substantial shortfall of at least 40,219 homes.

Sam Ryan, director in Turley Associates' Manchester office, said: "Local authorities are required under the National Planning Policy Framework to be able to demonstrate that they have a sufficient supply of land to deliver against housing needed over a five year period. Our research and report shows that 37 of the region's 40 planning authorities fall short of their five year land supply targets."

The following evidence was used as the basis for the research:

Annual targets set out in historic Regional Spatial Strategies for those local planning authorities which have no adopted up-to-date plan adopted since 2004

Adopted core strategies' housing numbers, used for those local authorities which have an adopted core strategy

RSS and emerging plan, used for those authorities which have submitted a plan, which is subject to examination

North West Housing Figures – by county

Source: North West Housing Land Supply Update, Turley Associates

Ryan added: "The need for housing in the North West is and will remain very high, yet just 40% of local planning authorities have up-to-date adopted development plans. This leaves planning policy in a state of flux and uncertainty that will further delay the delivery of much needed homes across North West.

"Those local planning authorities that do not have an up-to-date plan will receive planning applications based on the context of the NPPF and its presumption in favour of sustainable development. This creates a window of opportunity for developers."

Ryan concluded: "North West Housing Land Supply Update is a snapshot of housing need and land supply as of May 2013. It is a best case scenario for local planning authorities; in reality the shortfall is likely to be higher.

"Developers are bringing forward new sites and permissions for new developments are being granted, meaning that these numbers will change. That there is a shortfall, however, will remain."