16.04.18
New project to tackle housing shortage
The County Councils Network (CCN) and the Town and Country Planning Association (TCPA) have joined for a new housing project.
According to CCN, the project will explore how county councils and unitary authorities are innovating to deliver much needed housing, supported by the right infrastructure.
It is expected to provide insight into what CCN member authorities are achieving with their current powers and showcase pioneering councils that are unlocking development through partnerships and direct delivery.
Cllr Philip Atkins, CCN spokesman for housing, planning and infrastructure, explained that it is not just cities and the south east that have been hit by the housing crisis, with prices in many other county areas becoming increasingly unaffordable due to property prices rising treble the amount of price rises in London.
“There is also a lack of affordable homes in county areas, with just 26% of new homes built since 2011 being classified as affordable.
“This project will show how counties are playing a hugely important role in enabling and delivering development in their areas, working with partners and local councils to deliver the right kind of homes backed by adequate infrastructure,” he added.
Kate Henderson, chief executive of the TCPA, said that the project will demonstrate the county councils are a “fundamental” part of the solution to meeting the country’s need for more affordable homes.
“Through a survey and a series of case studies, the project will explore innovative approaches being taken by counties who are working in partnership to secure better outcomes for people and places, particularly through scaling-up housing delivery using councils assets, such as land, skills and finance,” she concluded.
Top image: Empato
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