The North-West Plan, the regional spatial strategy for the region published by the Department for Communities and Local Government, outlines plans to build 23,111 new homes a year by 2021 in order to meet housing needs in the North West.

With people living longer and more and more choosing to live alone households are projected to grow in the North West by at least 25,600 per year to 2026.

The Plan unveils a vision for sustainable social and economic development in the North West up to 2021.

The strategy aims to raise the economic performance in the North West by supporting the provision of new job opportunities and reducing local inequalities. It puts protecting the North West's environment at the heart of new development.

According to the Plan, the largest need for housing is in Manchester, Salford and Liverpool where there are major requirements for urban regeneration and housing market renewal.

Other towns highlighted as priorities include Blackburn, Blackpool, Bolton, Preston and Wigan.

The Plan also seeks to maximise the economic potential of the region's rural areas whilst respecting their character and natural environment.

Communities Minister Baroness Andrews said:
"The North West needs a long-term strategy for boosting its economy, addressing housing need, and protecting the environment by tackling climate change.

"We have an ageing population with more people choosing to live alone and new households are growing faster than new homes. If more homes are not built now the housing ladder will get even further out of reach.

"The North West Plan sets out an achievable vision for reducing the social and economic disparities in the region while protecting its distinctive character and environment."

The Plan also provides a regional policy framework for major transport, waste and environmental issues in the North West.