Cheshire East has emerged as a leader in this area, while Wigan lags behind. This article delves into the factors contributing to these differences, exploring the economic, strategic, and policy-driven elements that influence housing development in these two regions.
Cheshire East: A Beacon of Housing Development
Economic Growth: A Magnet for Residents and Businesses
Cheshire East has established itself as the most productive local authority in the North West in terms of housing development, with 1,900 new homes completed between 2023 and 2024. This achievement surpasses even larger cities such as Manchester and Preston, highlighting the area’s unique position as a hub of economic growth. The region’s robust economic environment has been a significant driver of housing development. The presence of thriving industries, a strong job market, and high living standards attract both new residents and businesses, creating a sustained demand for housing.
As more people move to the area in search of employment opportunities and a better quality of life, the need for housing naturally increases. Developers are incentivised to meet this demand, leading to a steady stream of new residential projects. This virtuous cycle of economic growth and housing development has positioned Cheshire East as a leading example of regional planning and development.
Strategic Location: The Advantage of Connectivity
Another key factor contributing to Cheshire East’s success in housing development is its strategic location. Situated with excellent transport links to major cities such as Manchester and Liverpool, the area is highly accessible and appealing to commuters. The proximity to these urban centres means that residents can enjoy the benefits of suburban living—such as lower housing costs and a quieter environment—while still having easy access to the economic and cultural opportunities of larger cities.
This advantageous location has made Cheshire East an attractive option for both homebuyers and developers. The area’s connectivity is further enhanced by ongoing infrastructure improvements, which continue to bolster its appeal as a residential destination. As transport links improve and commute times decrease, the demand for housing in Cheshire East is likely to remain strong, sustaining the area’s leading position in housing development.
Local Policies and Planning: Facilitating Growth
Proactive local government policies and efficient planning processes have also played a crucial role in Cheshire East’s housing boom. The local authority has implemented strategies aimed at encouraging sustainable development, streamlining planning approvals, and facilitating cooperation between developers and the council. These policies have created a conducive environment for housing projects, ensuring that they proceed smoothly from conception to completion.
For instance, Cheshire East has focused on identifying and prioritising areas for development that align with broader economic and social goals. By working closely with developers, the local authority has been able to expedite the planning process, reducing bureaucratic delays that often hinder housing projects in other regions. This approach not only attracts developers but also ensures that new housing developments are well-integrated into the existing urban fabric, enhancing the overall quality of life for residents.
Wigan: Challenges in Housing Development
Economic Challenges: A Barrier to Growth
In stark contrast to Cheshire East, Wigan has seen a much lower level of housing development, with only 800 new homes completed between 2023 and 2024. This places Wigan significantly lower on the list of productive local authorities in the North West. Several factors contribute to this disparity, with economic challenges being a primary concern.
Wigan’s economy has faced difficulties that limit the demand for new housing. Unlike Cheshire East, which benefits from strong economic growth, Wigan’s economy has experienced periods of stagnation. High unemployment rates, limited job opportunities, and slower economic growth reduce the incentive for developers to invest in new housing projects. In an environment where economic prospects are uncertain, both potential homeowners and developers may be hesitant to commit to new builds, leading to a slower pace of housing development.
Planning and Regulatory Hurdles: Slowing the Process
Another significant factor contributing to Wigan’s lower housing development rate is the presence of planning and regulatory hurdles. The local authority may face challenges in streamlining the planning approval process, leading to delays and increased costs for developers. These obstacles can discourage investment in new housing projects, as developers may opt to focus on areas where the regulatory environment is more favourable.
Moreover, local policies and regulations may not be as conducive to rapid development as those in Cheshire East. For example, Wigan may have more restrictive zoning laws or less efficient processes for handling planning applications. These factors can create bottlenecks that slow down the completion of housing projects, further exacerbating the disparity in housing development between Wigan and more productive areas like Cheshire East.
Market Demand: Demographic and Economic Factors
Market demand for new housing in Wigan is another critical factor influencing the region’s lower development rate. Unlike Cheshire East, which attracts a steady influx of new residents due to its economic opportunities and strategic location, Wigan may not experience the same level of demand. This difference in demand can be attributed to several factors, including demographic trends and economic opportunities.
For instance, Wigan’s population growth rate may be slower than that of Cheshire East, leading to less pressure on the housing market. Additionally, Wigan may not attract the same level of inward migration from other parts of the UK or abroad, reducing the need for new housing developments. Without a strong demand for housing, developers may be less motivated to initiate new projects, contributing to the lower number of housing completions in the area.
Regional Context: The Bigger Picture
The disparity between housing development in Cheshire East and Wigan is not an isolated phenomenon but reflects broader trends in the North West of England. Overall, the region has seen a 5% decline in completed residential builds from the previous year, with 17,910 properties completed between 2023 and 2024. This decline is a cause for concern, particularly given the long-term upward trend in housing completions across the region over the past decade.
However, it is important to note that despite the recent decline, the North West has still achieved significant progress compared to a decade ago. The increase in housing completions over this period reflects a broader effort to address the housing shortage that has plagued the region for years. Nevertheless, the North West continues to fall short of government housebuilding targets, with Labour’s target for the region set at 21,497 homes. The goal is to increase this number to around 38,000 homes, which underscores the scale of the challenge facing local authorities in the region.
Addressing the Challenges Ahead
The comparison between Cheshire East and Wigan highlights the complex interplay of economic, strategic, and policy factors that influence housing development. Cheshire East’s success can be attributed to its strong economic growth, strategic location, and proactive local policies, which together create a favourable environment for housing development. In contrast, Wigan faces significant challenges, including economic difficulties, planning and regulatory hurdles, and lower market demand, all of which contribute to its slower pace of development.
To address these disparities and meet the ambitious housing targets set by the government, local authorities across the North West will need to adopt tailored strategies that address their unique challenges and leverage their strengths. For Wigan, this may involve efforts to stimulate economic growth, streamline planning processes, and attract new residents and businesses to the area. Meanwhile, Cheshire East must continue to build on its successes while ensuring that its rapid development is sustainable and beneficial to all residents.
Ultimately, the future of housing development in the North West will depend on the ability of local authorities to navigate these challenges and opportunities, ensuring that the region can meet its housing needs and support its long-term growth and prosperity.
