NEWS & EVENTS

The regions house builders are being encouraged to work on public sector projects as the demand for private development slows down.

The latest figures issued by the National House Building Council (NHBC) show that over the three months to the end of February 2009, new build applications for private developments were down by 72 per cent on the same period the previous year. Applications for public housing projects such as those undertaken by Housing Associations and other Social Landlords also fell, but by only 8 percent.

Robbie ODriscoll, Director at city based Roythorne Christmas said:

"The fact that public housing applications are down shows that the economic downturn has affected the sector, but with just an 8 percent fall compared to 72 percent for private development it is clear there remains a great demand for affordable housing, and that house builders are increasingly relying on the public sector for work."

Robbie went on to