Regional housing plan unveiled

The government has revealed its Regional Spatial Strategy plan for the north-east of England, including new housing plans.

In the plan, which covers the economic development of the region including jobs, transport and the environment as well as homes, the intention is to construct 128,900 new dwellings by 2021, or 7,600 a year.

Announcing the blueprint, communities minister Baroness Andrews said the two main factors driving the need for more homes were the greater longevity of older people and the increasing tendency for people to live alone.

She warned: "If more homes are not built now older people will have fewer choices and the housing ladder will get even further out of reach leaving the next generation with nowhere to live."

Those living in the region who are not prepared to wait for the right new home to be built may wish to construct their own using the self build method.

At present the north-east has the lowest average price of any region of England and Wales at £127,581, according to Land Registry figures.