Backlog of homes in the pipeline

A BACKLOG of almost 700 new homes in Oldham are in the pipeline, new figures show. 

The Local Government Association says the figures prove there is no need for the Government to relax planning rules or “concrete over the countryside” with a planning free-for-all.

The LGA has released figures showing nearly 400,000 homes across England and Wales have got planning permission, but are yet to be completed.

Of those, 688 homes have been granted permission across Oldham, with a further 1,279 under construction, according to the LGA.

The LGA believes the backlog should “lay to rest the myth” that a cumbersome, outdated planning system must be ripped up.

Critics fear the Government strategy will see less affordable homes built increasing already long waiting lists for social housing. Only 79 new affordable home starts were made across Oldham last year — down from 99 the previous 12 months.


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