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Housing development in Bath

The West of England needs to grow to meet the needs of our existing and new communities.

We need to ensure that the region remains a thriving, successful and innovative place where people aspire to live. We have outlined set out our ambition for homes in the West of England in the new Housing Delivery Strategy.

Housing affordability

Housing delivery and affordability is a critical issue in the region. The average house price in the West of England is £291,581, well above the national average of £236,838.

According to figures from ASHE in 2020, this is between 7.8 and 11.3 times the average earning. Home ownership is inaccessible for many, and other affordable options are in short supply.

The Combined Authority will:

  • Co-invest in new homes
  • Help unblock any barriers which are slowing housing delivery
  • Plan and prioritise investment in infrastructure
  • Establish a strong partnership to support key large housing sites.

Innovation in house-building is a key priority. We are promoting Modern Methods of Construction to accelerate delivery, raise quality, and increase provision of carbon-neutral homes. Use of MMC has multiple benefits in using cutting-edge technology that will appeal to young people and bring them into the industry into sustainable jobs. A regional strategy for MMC is now progressing, alongside other housing delivery innovations.

Housing delivery and affordability is a critical issue in the region. The average house price in the West of England is £291,581, well above the national average of £236,838.

Artists impression of a development area in Bath

Housing delivery strategy

Together, the Combined Authority and the West of England councils have developed a new Housing Delivery Strategy. This aims to accelerate the delivery of new homes for the region between now and 2030. It outlines a route map for sites, from land acquisition through to delivery.

A partnership approach will be used to align funding for homes to where they’re need most. It is built around an initial funding package of £40m from the WECA Investment Fund through to 2023.

The proposals in the Housing Delivery Strategy support the principles of clean and inclusive growth. They will supplement the West of England’s post-pandemic economic recovery by creating both direct and indirect jobs. Additional affordable homes delivered under the strategy will also provide high quality homes for people in housing need and will help towards alleviating homelessness.

Office development building
Housing delivery

West of England Joint Assets Board 

Our West of England Joint Assets Board (JAB) unites public sector landowners. This includes the NHS, blue light authorities, the Cabinet Office, and all four councils. It focuses on enabling public sector property and land assets for the region's sustainable and inclusive growth.

The West of England launched its Local Industrial Strategy in July 2019. Co-produced with government, a key theme is Innovation in Infrastructure. This includes region-wide collaborations to determine the most sustainable locations for future projects. The Strategy considers housing, employment, and transport needs up to 2036.

The JAB focuses on identifying surplus public sector land and it supports cooperation in land development by connecting with the West of England Housing Delivery Board.