Hundreds of extra homes are needed in Huntingdonshire to make up for a shortfall in house building over the last five years, a new report has revealed.

Huntingdonshire District Council set itself a district-wide target of 840 homes a year

between 2011-2016 – a total of 4,200 homes – but, according to a report which was put to councillors last Thursday, only 2,996 were completed in the period.

The council is 1,204 homes behind its target and has adjusted its figures in order to make up for the shortfall over the next five-year period. The authority is now hoping to complete 1,135 homes every year by 2021.

Andy Moffat, the council’s head of development, said in a report to the economy and

growth panel: “To ensure that we continue to have a five-year supply of housing, it is important that we continue to meet performance targets and issue decisions without delay, and continue to focus on growth and dedicate resources and expertise across the service to this.

“It is also critical that planning consents for new housing continue to be granted apace by both delegated decision and schemes presented to the development management committee and that it is recognised that developments of all scales make a positive difference to the supply of housing.”

According to the authority’s figures, 535 homes were completed in 2015/16, with the council on course to complete 567 by the end of the 2016/17 financial year.

A spokesman for the district council said the authority was continuing to work with land owners, developers and local communities to identify suitable new sites to meet the increased need for much sought after housing in the district.

According to the council, more than 12,000 new homes are expected in the next 10 years.

Councillor Roger Harrison, executive councillor for growth, said: “Given the strength of our local economy, and the beauty and diversity of our local environment, the increased demand for housing is a reflection of Huntingdonshire being a sustainable location to live, work and invest.

“The attraction of Huntingdonshire is something to be celebrated, particularly since

the additional demand for housing can be accommodated, and we as a council, will continue to support the delivery of homes and jobs while having regard to the environmental impacts of development.”