Planning Shortfall Could Hit 180,000 Homes

The planning system is not delivering homes where housing need and market demand is greatest, according to a new report. Research by real estate services provider Savills has identified a potential planning shortfall of just under 180,000 homes in England over the course of the next parliament. It found there was an annual shortfall of 35,562 homes in England, which, accumulated over the course of a five-year parliament, would give a shortfall of just under 180,000 homes. The report, ‘Beyond the Election: What next for planning?’, found the disparity is widest where housing need is greatest, and that the shortfall is against a planning target that is set significantly below actual need. Even where there are adopted housing targets, these targets are only 80% of what is needed, according to Savills.  Download a copy of the report from Savills website.