How this one council is 25 years ahead in its housing supply while many others are struggling to meet targets

While many local councils across England are struggling to meet their housing targets amid a national shortage, Stratford-on-Avon District Council is bucking the trend.

The council recently published its five-year housing supply report showing it currently has nearly 25 years’ worth of housing supply – an achievement that puts it decades ahead of many peers.

We look at how the council has done this whilst other councils are seeing record-low planning permissions granted.

Councils struggling to meet housing targets

Nationally, local authorities face increasing pressure to deliver new homes as the country grapples with a persistent housing shortage.

Official government data reveals that nearly half of English local planning authorities cannot show a sufficient housing land supply in their five-year plans, putting their housing policies at risk of being deemed "out of date".

This reduces their ability to manage development effectively and often resulting in an influx of appeal decisions favouring housing applications.

These challenges have contributed to ongoing issues with affordability and availability across much of the country.

Stratford-on-Avon’s housing supply success

In stark contrast, Stratford-on-Avon District Council’s latest figures, published for the period ending March 2024, demonstrate a five-year housing land supply of 24.65 years.

This calculation is based on the council’s Core Strategy policy, taking into account both homes already completed and those expected to be built over the next five years.

For instance, Stratford District Council's draft design codes identify the need for 27,000 new homes by 2050, with an annual requirement of 993 homes.

From 2018 to 2023, the council facilitated the delivery of 2,522 new affordable homes. In the fiscal year 2023–24 alone, 354 new affordable homes were completed, with plans for approximately 400 more in the current year.

The council’s strategic planning policies were last reviewed in 2021 and remain up to date under the latest National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).

As a result, Stratford-on-Avon is well positioned to meet local housing demand for decades, supporting sustainable growth and community stability.

Supporting self-build and custom-build homeowners

Stratford-on-Avon also recognises the growing interest in self-build and custom-build homes, ensuring these options are part of its wider housing strategy.

The council’s draft Site Allocations Plan (SAP) and local design plan includes specific policies and proposed plots for self-build and custom-build housing, although the plan remains in draft form with limited current weight.

The SAP, once finalised, will complement the existing Core Strategy by guiding future developments and protecting areas for such projects.

Additionally, through its Self-Build and Custom Housebuilding Register, the council monitors demand and works to identify suitable serviced plots.

Additionally, Stratford-on-Avon is collaborating with Warwick District Council on the South Warwickshire Local Plan, aiming to develop a comprehensive housing strategy through 2050 that includes diverse housing options.