Call to boost regional housing target

But the assembly, which represents 38 local authorities in the region, argue its existing plan for 365,000 new properties by 2026 is more realistic.

Consultants Nathaniel Lichfield and Partners published the results of a government-commissioned study on ways to increase further the figure the assembly proposed in its December 2007 revisions to the regional spatial strategy.

It says that an additional 51,500 homes could be built in the region’s south western portion alone, increasing by a further 29,500 under the most intensive of its three scenarios, which the authors admit could require Green Belt revisions.

Regional assembly chair Councillor David Smith (Con) said the existing strategy was already ambitious and voiced concerns over the figures proposed in the latest report.

“It is pointless and dangerous to set even higher housing targets if there is no realistic prospect that these targets can be delivered and that the full range of facilities - roads, schools, open space and so on - will be provided to support them,” he said.

“It remains to be seen whether the government will accept the view of London-based consultants or trust the collective wisdom and expertise of a wide range of regional partners.”

The report will form part of the examination in public of the Regional Spatial Strategy Phase 2 revisions due to take place in spring next year.

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