A KEY report which sets out the expected housing requirements for West Devon over the next 18 years says one of the biggest challenges will be providing a range of homes to meet people's changing needs.

The Strategic Housing Market Needs Assessment (SHMNA) identifies the predicted housing requirements across the whole housing market area which covers West Devon Cornwall, Dartmoor National Park, Plymouth and the South Hams.

For West Devon, the report shows that population growth is set to continue between now and 2031 placing a continuing demand on the need for new homes.

In particular, it predicts a rise in the number of single people and couples creating a growing need for one and two bedroom properties in the borough.

Projections also show a significant increase in the number of people aged 65 years and over living in the borough who are likely to require more specialist accommodation in the future.

The report has been prepared by independent consultants, GVA Grimley, on behalf of West Devon Borough Council, Cornwall Council, Dartmoor National Park Authority, Plymouth City Council and South Hams District Council.

Cllr Philips Sanders, West Devon Borough Council leader, said: 'This report makes it clear that housing will continue to be a central issue for our area as communities grow and change.  

'We already have land allocated in the borough for new homes in our adopted plans and we need to think carefully about how these, and future developments, can meet the specific housing needs of our communities.

Within the report there are a range of options for future housing growth based on different projections for the economy over the next 18 years.

It will help the borough council develop housing and planning policy up to 2031 but does not make any decisions.