LANCASHIRE is facing a ‘major shortfall’ in the delivery of new homes over the next five years, according to a new report.

The findings, published by Manchester planning consultancy Turley Associates, reveals that Lancashire has a shortfall of more than 5,000 homes over the next half decade. The five-year housing requirement in the county is currently more than 31,000 and the land supply over the same period only has space for just over 25,000.

San Ryan, director in Turley Associates’ Manchester office, said: “Local authorities are required under the National Planning Policy Framework to be able to demonstrate that they have a sufficient supply of land to deliver against housing needed over a five year period.

“The need for housing in the North West is and will remain very high, yet just 40 per cent local planning authorities have up-to-date adopted development plans.

“This update is a snapshot of housing need and land supply as of May 2013. It is a best case scenario for local planning authorities; in reality the shortfall is likely to be higher.

“Developers are bringing forward new sites and permissions for new developments are being granted, meaning that these numbers will change.

“That there is a shortfall, however, will remain.”