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New research reiterates need for increased North East housing provision

New research has suggested that as many as 125,000 extra households will be established in the North East over the next 23 years.

The figures, recently published by the Department for Communities and Local Government, reiterate the need for increased housing provision across all North East local authority areas.

Based on population projections and used by local planning authorities, Newcastle alone is projected to see 17% growth in its number of households and Sunderland is expected to see a rise of more than 9%.

According to Newcastle-based planning and design consultancy Barton Willmore, the North East needs to move forward to ensure housing provision and to support the North East LEP’s target of one million jobs created by 2024 and Tees Valley Unlimited’s ambition to create 25,000 jobs by 2025.

Stuart Natkus, planning director at Barton Willmore, explained: “These figures give us an understanding of the pressing need for more housing in the region.

“They also play a part in another important story; the provision of housing is an enabler for economic growth.

“The North East has ambitious economic growth plans that require all areas of policy to work in unison. Many of the region’s local authorities have already recognised that in their Local Plans, but we must focus on achieving the right level and mix of housing on offer – as getting it right is fundamentally tied to economic prosperity.”

Barton Willmore’s own research, which considers the household projection data, shows that attracting a diverse range of people with different incomes and skills is positive for local economies.

While these latest figures provide a starting point in formulating housing planning in the North East, Stuart Natkus also pointed out the need to consider long term migration trends as a factor in future demand.

He added: “Local authorities will need to consider a lot more information beyond this recent data.

“Many other factors are unpredictable, such as migration trends. We still don’t know how Brexit will impact housing demand across the North East.

“Our local authorities will need to be attuned to these movements so that we can safeguard our economic growth strategies.”

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