Report: 1 in 3 North Lanarkshire homes in housing crisis.
The urgent need for more private housing development in North Lanarkshire has been underscored in a recent report commissioned by Hallam Land. Research conducted by Rettie reveals that over 32% of households in North Lanarkshire are facing some form of housing need, a higher percentage compared to the national average of 28% across Scotland.
Despite increasing household growth and housing demand in the region, North Lanarkshire has experienced a marked decline in the delivery of private housing since the 2008 financial crisis. Housing completions have remained significantly below pre-2008 levels, with only 1-3 new houses per 100,000 people being delivered over the last decade. This lack of supply has led to a doubling of house prices in North Lanarkshire since 2003, exacerbating affordability issues and widening the housing inequality gap.
- 600 households in North Lanarkshire are experiencing homelessness or living in temporary accommodation.
- 10,000 households in the region are living in overcrowded conditions.
- 12,000 households are financially struggling due to high housing costs.
Dr John Boyle, the director of research and strategy at Rettie, emphasised the need for higher levels of all tenure housing, including private market housing, to address the unmet housing need and demand in North Lanarkshire. Private housing development is seen as a strategic way to enhance affordability, increase homeownership rates, and drive long-term economic growth in the region.
One example of addressing this housing need is through the planned development by Dullatur Golf Club and Hallam Land. They have a planning application in progress to create a sustainable new neighbourhood that will provide up to 650 much-needed homes and community facilities. A quarter of the proposed housing will be affordable, reflecting the local housing need. Additionally, there are plans for community amenities like a GP surgery, open spaces, parkland, sports pitches, play areas, and a community garden.
Gary Smith, the executive director at Hallam Land, stressed the importance of reports like this in understanding the scale of the housing issue. He highlighted that delivering private housing in North Lanarkshire directly supports over 3,000 jobs and contributes £133 million to the local economy. In addition to the economic benefits, new housing developments can reduce inequality, enhance social mobility, and improve health and education outcomes in the community.
In conclusion, by supporting and encouraging new housing developments in North Lanarkshire, we are investing in the long-term prosperity and well-being of the region. Addressing the housing shortage is not only an economic imperative but also a crucial step towards building a more inclusive and sustainable community for all residents.
