Suffolk builders look positively at new housing targets

Angela Rayner, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government announced that 200 councils across the UK will have to increase their housing targets from next year. 

In the proposed changes targets of Ipswich are set to increase from 466 homes a year to 755.

Angela Rayner MP announced that 200 councils in the UK will have increased housing targets.

East Suffolk will have to build 1,696 homes per year, while West Suffolk needs to build 1,200 homes - compared to 905 and 765 respectively.

Babergh District Council will have to build 763 homes annually and Mid Suffolk District Council will have to commission 753 homes. 

Managing Director Duncan Jackson said this is a significant step. (Image: Hopkins Homes) Developer Hopkins Homes, based in Woodbridge said that this is a much-needed development.

Their managing director Duncan Jackson said: “The government's plan to build 1.5 million homes across England is a significant step toward addressing the housing shortage that has long affected our region.

The developers have built several homes around Ipswich and were also a part of the recently rejected Humber Doucy Lane development, which would see 600 homes come to the town's garden suburbs.

Hopkins Homes was a part of the recently rejected Humber Doucy Lane project. (Image: OJ Photo) Mr Jackson added that the industry has however been plagued by land acquisition and supply change costs which hinder them from providing the changes. 

"We are hopeful that the proposed changes to the planning system will address some of these challenges and help us shape the future of sustainable living," he added.

Ms Rayner also announced that half of the new developments need to be affordable. 

Cllr Kreidewolf said he was pleased by this development. (Image: Newsquest)

Cllr Colin Kreidewolf, runs Ipswich Borough Council's affordable housing unit, Handford Homes and said he was pleased by these announcements. 

The councillor said: "We are pleased that the Government are increasing the supply of affordable homes in both the public and private sectors.

"Handford Homes are currently constructing 302 homes substantially all of which are assessed as affordable for Ipswich Borough Council."

Cllr Jones noted that these plans are still in their consultation phase. (Image: Archant)

Meanwhile, Cllr Carole Jones, portfolio holder from planning and development, noted that the increased homes are currently in their consultation phase, and will be finalised by September 24.

After which the council will try to make a revised Local Plan, with assistance from Handford Homes, to deliver the new targets.