Plans to boost number of new homes

Councillor Richard Farnell

Plans are being made to boost the number of new homes for people to buy and to rent in Rochdale borough.

Latest figures show that in Greater Manchester fewer than 4,000 new homes are being completed every year instead of the 9,000 to 10,000 needed by the region’s growing population.

The shortfall means growing pressure on existing supplies and a shortage of homes for younger families, as well as challenges to regeneration and the requirement for a higher number of quality private rented homes.

The 10 Greater Manchester councils are considering setting up a new organisation TopCo which could negotiate long term funding with the government, with Europe and other agencies. Pooled investments and pension funds could be approached, as well as wealth funds and major institutions.

The TopCo strategic housing organisation will align closely with work on the Greater Manchester spacial framework, which will help ensure a pipeline of suitable sites for new housing in a co-ordinated and strategic way.

Councillor Richard Farnell, leader of Rochdale Borough Council, said: “Rochdale welcomes the ambition and challenge of Greater Manchester to increase the housing numbers across the conurbation. Over the past three years, 1,200 new homes have been built in our borough.

“As part of the joint working at a GM level Rochdale has allocated a number of sites that can be brought forward to significantly increase the numbers of homes delivered in the Borough over the next three years as part of our contribution to delivering the 9,000 to 10,000 needed by the region’s growing population.”

The plan was considered by Greater Manchester combined authority yesterday (August 29).