A COUNCIL leader has pledged to continue with homebuilding plans despite figures suggesting housing demand in Oxfordshire has been overestimated.

James Mills, leader of West Oxfordshire District Council, said there should be no distractions from the Local Plan, which outlines the development of 16,000 homes by 2031.

The comments were made following the publication of a new Government report which suggested housing need in Oxfordshire is actually 3,415 homes a year and not the previously predicted 5,000.

Mr Mills said: “Research suggests that up until the 1990s it took a young family three years to raise enough money for a deposit, but now the average time is 24 years.

“As a result, we must harness the benefits that housing developments will bring. Ensuring there is housing for key workers, such as nurses, firefighters and teachers, helps everyone and these people are needed in our communities.”

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