A report on housing needs in Telford has called for a new wave of council homes to be built in the borough to meet demand.

The findings from the Telford Housing Summit have been published this week in a report entitled Housing Needs in Telford. They were put together by Telford MP David Wright, with contributions from resident John Franklyn, Telford & Wrekin Council and Wrekin Housing Trust.

The report claims there are not enough affordable homes to meet demand and blames the UK’s tough economic climate.

Recommendations to improve matters also include bringing empty units in local centres back into use so flats above them can be rented out.

The report says: “The waiting list for social housing in Telford & Wrekin stands at approximately 13,000, with a great deal of those actively seeking a home each week through the Choose Your Home system.

“In simple terms we haven’t been building enough homes for rent in Telford.

“We also haven’t been building enough low cost homes for sale and homes for shared ownership which allow people to get onto the housing ladder.

“This clearly needs to change in the coming years.”

The report claims the UK’s troubled economic climate has had an impact, with several developments in Telford left half-finished and builders leaving to pursue other careers because of a lack of work.

It says “new town” estates such as Sutton Hill, Woodside and Brookside should be prioritised for investment, while strategies need to be put in place for older communities such as Oakengates, Dawley and Madeley.

A period of consultation on the first draft has now begun and Mr Franklyn said he wanted to hear the views of as many residents as possible on its contents.

He said: “Telford and Wrekin is going to see considerable growth over the coming years with housing being just one issue that needs to be taken into consideration.

“The report has already attracted considerable attention locally from a wide range of organisations and residents, but I feel it is vital to ensure that the opportunity to comment on the report is given to as many people as possible

“After all, nobody knows their community better than those that actually live and work within it.”

The report is available to download from www.telfordcouncilwatch.org.uk

By Wayne Beese