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Too many homes, not enough jobs
A major report into new housing in the county claims job creation is lagging seriously behind the number of new homes being built.
The north of the county needs to create 47,400 new jobs before 2021 to support people moving into 52,1000 new homes.
But, since 2001, only half the number of jobs needed per home have been created.
In a report to Northamptonshire County Council, planning manager of the county's joint planning unit, Andrew Longley. says that while the aim is to create 0.91 jobs for every home built, the ratio between 2001 and 2007 was just 0.62.
In that time, 10,611 homes have been built and 6,605 jobs delivered.
His report states: "There is clearly an issue with this objective.
"In order to maintain the current balance of workers and jobs within North Northamptonshire, to not become dependent on commuting, the core spatial strategy seeks some 47,400 jobs compared to 52,100 homes - a ratio of 0.91 jobs for every dwelling built.
"Delivery of jobs and homes to date has not achieved this balance.
"This is a critical issue for the review of the North Northamptonshire core spatial strategy as it is fundamental to increasing the self reliance of North Northamptonshire and decreasing the need to travel."
But the North Northants Development Company says it is closing the gap and that there is always a natural lag between homes and jobs.
Nick Bolton, NNDC's director of investment and marketing, said while
they haven't yet had the official data on more recent years, their own figures indicate the ratio is now about 0.7 or 0.8 jobs per home.
Up to March last year, around 14,100 homes were built and around 11,500 jobs were created in the north of the county.
It comes after NNDC were criticised by the county council and residents for its marketing campaign aimed at attracting Londoners to the area, which had the tagline North Londonshire.
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Sunday 27 May 2012
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