Greg Clark

Britain is building again

The volume of new homes in England increased by 25 per cent in 2014-15, the biggest rise in 28 years, according to latest Government figures. Alterations to planning laws helped boost the number of residential properties developed through a change of use, but the main factor was a hike in the number of new-build homes completed during the year. Data from the Department for Communities and Local Government shows that a total of 170,690 homes were added to the country’s housing stock, which Communities Secretary Greg Clark said was further proof of the Government’s commitment to get more homes developed. More than 700,000 additional homes have now been delivered since 2010, supported in part by a rise in the number of commercial buildings converted into residential properties. Clark (left) said, “As a one nation government we’re determined to make sure everyone has the opportunity and security of owning a home of their own. “Today’s figures show a 25 per cent increase in the number of new homes over the past year – showing our reforms are building new homes across Britain. “We are going further and will do everything we can to help families buy a place of their own.…