The government’s revised housing target to build 1.5 million new homes across the UK within the next five years has sparked controversy across the country. However, JesmondLocal can reveal that the threshold in Jesmond has been lowered by nearly 15% thanks to the overhauled plans.

The NPPF (Nation Planning Policy Framework), released in December 2024, aims to tackle the UK’s housing crisis by building of 1.5 million new homes across the country over the coming half-decade.

The revised framework has reduced some housing targets slightly due to shortfalls in recent years – with more rural areas picking up the slack. Newcastle’s target has been reduced from 1,417 to 1,345.

Jesmond, as it falls under the umbrella of Newcastle City Council, has been allocated a reduced housing target, although official numbers have not been released.

However, Labour councillor for South Jesmond, Milo Barnett, who was elected in May 2024, told JesmondLocal the revised target laid out by the civil service was approximately “15% lower” in Jesmond, and has made the challenge of building new houses more manageable for the local council.

Announced by deputy prime minister Angela Rayner, the government’s revised housing policy has sparked outrage across the UK. Some local councils have said it is “unrealistic” and “impossible to achieve” due to the up to 1,300% target increases. 

Barnett said as far as Newcastle City Council was concerned, it remains “committed to building as many homes as possible where it is practical and where there is demand”.

Barnett highlighted the importance of redevelopment in the council’s housing plans. “It’s not just raw numbers, it’s regenerating existing homes as well,” he said, pointing to using undeveloped space in existing homes or redeveloping older sites such as Hexham House in Walker, which will soon host 15 new homes following its demolition in November, as a way of helping the local council reach the target.

“We can’t just build one type of housing because the housing market needs to be a cycle,” he told JesmondLocal. “If your children have left home and you’re wanting to downsize, you want to make sure there’s something suitable for you to move into.”

However, some locals remain sceptical. Josh Sigley, a South Jesmond resident, said: “I just don’t know where the space is for new houses. Jesmond already feels pretty cramped with green spaces pretty sparse already. I personally don’t think Jesmond needs any more houses, even if it is 15% less”.

Barnett responded: “I’m happy to have a conversation with any residents that contact me and want to express their views because they are part of the process. They are stakeholders in the future”.

Residents with housing concerns can contact: central@newcastle.gov.uk