Plymouth's population is growing and the city needs thousands of homes to be built according to a key report.

The Strategic Housing Market Needs Assessment analyses changes over the last ten years and sets out predictions for population increases and the number of houses needed up to 2031.

It shows that between 2001 and 2011, there was an increase of 15,600 people living in Plymouth to 256,600. There is a spike in the 20 plus age group with young people moving into the city from neighbouring areas for jobs, employment and housing and there were more births than deaths so the population is growing organically. The projections also highlight there is an ageing population and predict that by 2031 there will be a 30 per cent increase in over 65s.

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On average around 500 houses have been built in the city each year but the report predicts this is insufficient to meet the future needs of the population. The report predicts the population will reach 300,000 people by 2031 and 22,000 more homes will be needed. Plymouth City Council’s plans now aim to deliver 1000 new homes a year.

Councillor Mark Lowry, Cabinet member for finance said: "The population is growing and this is good news, people are being attracted to the city and the jobs and education it can offer. We are going through the transition from a dockyard town to a university city and with a changing population demographic we need to ensure the housing serves the city's needs.

"We need quality student accommodation, the halls type of managed housing close to campus as the university attracts growing numbers. More student accommodation will also free up family homes for rent and we do need more family housing. We also need more executive housing, more affordable housing and more lifetime homes for an expanding older population."

(CD/MH)