Stockport, Lancaster, Chorley fail Housing Delivery Test
Summary
Government Housing Delivery Test results show that Stockport, Lancaster and Chorley have fallen below required delivery levels, triggering stronger planning consequences including a presumption in favour of approval for qualifying housing schemes, action plans and a 20% housing land supply buffer. Manchester, Trafford, Liverpool and Bolton also underperformed against housing need and will face additional planning requirements, while other North West councils met the test.
Why it matters
These results affect the planning context for residential development, including the likelihood of approval on suitable sites and the evidential weight given to housing land supply. Surveyors advising on development, valuation or planning risk in the affected areas will need to factor in the altered policy position and delivery shortfalls.
Key points
- Stockport, Lancaster and Chorley failed the Housing Delivery Test for 2022-2025.
- Those councils now face a presumption in favour of approval for qualifying housing applications, action plans and a 20% buffer to housing land supply.
- Stockport delivered 43% of required homes, Lancaster 48% and Chorley 63%.
- Manchester and Trafford also fell short and must prepare action plans plus a 20% buffer.
- Liverpool and Bolton missed the threshold and must prepare action plans.
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