Research from Rettie, commissioned by Hallam Land, reveals that over 32% of all households in North Lanarkshire face some form of housing need, compared to an average of 28% across Scotland.

With household growth and increasing housing demand, North Lanarkshire has seen a significant overall decline in private housing delivery since the 2008 financial crisis. Despite the demand, housing completions remain well below pre-2008 levels, with only 1-3 new houses per 100,000 people delivered for much of the last decade.

At the same time as supply stagnation, house prices in North Lanarkshire have doubled since 2003, increasing affordability pressures. This has resulted in a widening housing inequality gap, and a shortage of homeownership opportunities, particularly for young people who aspire to own their own home and stay within the local authority area.

The report underscores how the current housing delivery shortfall is contributing to serious economic, social, and affordability issues in the area and found:

• 600 households experiencing homelessness or living in temporary accommodation
• 10,000 households in overcrowded conditions
• 12,000 households financially struggling due to high housing costs

Dr John Boyle, director of research and strategy at Rettie, said: “The report shows the need for higher levels of all tenure housing, including private market housing, to address unmet housing need and demand.

“Private housing development offers a clear path to improving affordability, increasing homeownership rates, and fostering long-term economic growth in North Lanarkshire. As the region continues to recover from years of underperformance, there is a clear need to act.”

The report finds that there are ways in which this housing need can be met, for example, private housing developments provide opportunities for potential homeowners and also free up more housing in the local housing market.

Dullatur Golf Club and Hallam Land currently have a planning application underway to create a sustainable new neighbourhood that will deliver up to 650 much-needed homes and community facilities. As part of this, 25 per cent of the proposed housing is affordable, in recognition of the local housing need.

Plans also include land reserved for community use, such as a GP surgery, site-wide open space, parkland and recreational facilities, with sports pitches, play areas and a community garden.

Gary Smith, executive director at Hallam Land, said: “Reports like this are enormously important because they provide a clear understanding of the scale of the issue. The good news is that through new development, we can address the gap, but to do this, we need to see more developments consented.

“This report estimates that delivering private housing in North Lanarkshire directly supports over 3,000 jobs and contributes £133 million to the local economy. When we consider the benefits of bringing forward housing, we should consider not just the economic impact, but the societal gains as well.

“New housing developments also play a role in reducing inequality, enhancing social mobility, and improving health and education outcomes in our communities. By supporting new development, we are investing in the long-term prosperity of North Lanarkshire.”