Analysis shows housing targets in England have flatlined for 15 years

New analysis from The Strategic Land Group (SLG) has revealed that just 23,043 more homes are planned to be built in England in 2023 in comparison to the 2009 total, despite the housing crisis.
In 2008/9, England’s Regional Spatial Strategies were planning to deliver 210,000 new homes per year, yet in 2023 Adopted Local Plans are aiming for just 233,000 per year, meaning England’s housing target has remained almost stagnant for more than 15 years.
The figures also show significant regional variations, with just 3.7% more homes planned to be built in the North West than in 2009 while the South East will see 19.4% more and the West Midlands 27.2% more.
However, Yorkshire and Humber will see 6.8% fewer homes built while the South West will see a significant contraction of 16.2%.
London authorities plan to build 59.9% more homes than were planned for 15 years ago.
The government’s net additional dwellings statistics show that, in the 12 months to March 2022, there were 232,820 homes added to England’s housing supply – almost exactly the number of homes Local Plans were aiming to deliver, but far below the 300,000 target set by the national government.
In December 2022, Michael Gove dropped the compulsory annual target of 300,000, instead making it voluntary, which risks diluting England’s housing targets further.
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Paul Smith, managing director of The Strategic Land Group, said: “The figures are alarming, particularly given the extent of the housing crisis in England and the grim outlook for younger generations who can expect to be at least 37 before they can afford to buy their own home. It doesn’t matter how many homes the government say they want to build – if local authorities aren’t planning to deliver that many, it simply won’t happen.”
“The regional difference is also stark and, given the well-understood link between housing and economic output, the numbers should be particularly concerning for those regions with a net reduction in development.”
Smith continued: “It’s vital that action is taken to boost housing supply. There are many changes that will help to do that, including dealing with overstated nutrient neutrality concerns and reinforcing the presumption in favour of sustainable development. If we don’t plan for more homes, they won’t be built, numbers will continue to stagnate and the housing crisis will worsen.”
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