West Midlands Combined Authority has confirmed that the region is set to achieve its ambitions of delivering 215,000 new homes by 2031.
The authority has set a target of building 215,000 new homes, with this helping to aid with future housing and economic needs, as well as providing local residents with good quality, affordable housing. Proof that the region is on track to meet its goal has come from government figures showing how 15,690 homes were built in the year-long period to March 2023. This has been achieved despite the challenges that are being faced by the housing industry, with inflation and rising construction costs combining with decreasing market confidence.
Many of the homes that have been built so far have been delivered through the authority’s ‘brownfield first’ approach that stemmed from a commitment to investing significant funding into the unlocking of derelict sites that can be brought back into use for new homes and commercial spaces.
The government figures that have outlined how the West Midlands is on track to achieve its goal have also shown that the region is a national leader in brownfield regeneration, with this approach seeing more than £600 million committed. Not only does this approach help to reduce the amount of derelict sites that become eyesores within communities, but also delivers housing without needing to build on the green belt.
Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street said:
“I’m heartened to see that – despite the inflationary and other pressures facing the house building industry – we’ve instilled much-needed market confidence and continued to get homes built.
“Throughout the pandemic, we kept projects moving forward and regenerated more brownfield sites. We have a house-building record here in the West Midlands that is leading the way in the UK and changing the lives of residents for the better right across the region. That mission must and will continue in the months and years ahead.”
Councillor Ian Courts, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Land, also commented:
“These latest figures are very encouraging, especially considering what have been challenging conditions for the industry over the past year. Nevertheless, we shall not be taking our foot off the pedal when it comes to building new homes and communities where they are needed the most.
“Using our funding we will continue to unlock brownfield sites to create the places for affordable, energy-efficient homes, as well as modern workspaces where business can grow and deliver the new jobs we need. This will remain a key objective as we continue to grow our regional economy in ways that can benefit all our communities while supporting our net zero #WM2041 ambitions.”
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