The construction of over 9,000 new homes a year, to be built throughout Greater Manchester, has been approved by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority.
The plans have been agreed to deal with a shortfall in housing, with only 3,000 properties becoming available each year, rather than the 10,000 which had been forecast.
The GMCA consists of 10 councils of Greater Manchester, including Bolton Council. The council will have the final say in the locations of the developments. The housing shortage has meant that first time buyers are struggling to locate properties which are suitable. In addition, people who own larger properties and wish to downsize are unable to find a property which is appropriate. A number of business owners have similar problems in Manchester, with a shortage of available office space. Manchester city centre in particular is experiencing high demand.
Eamonnn Boylan, the chief executive of Stockport Council, drew up the proposal to build 9,200 private homes every year. The executive cabinet member for economy, housing and skills for Bolton Council, Nick Peel, said:
“This is a housing strategy plan that all authorities have, and it’s about identifying land for the predicted growth in the population and the demand for new houses.”
According to Peel, the demand exists nationally and not just in Manchester. Developers are also being encouraged to build environmentally friendly homes providing suitable accommodation which has low running costs and sustainable. The chairman of the GMCA, Lord Peter Smith, acknowledges that people are struggling to find suitable properties to buy or rent.
