Population growing in South West

The South West's population grew by 12.5% from 1981 to 2001

The population of the South West is expected to continue to grow faster than other parts of the country.

According to the 2001 census, the region was the fastest growing in England with a population rise from 4,381,400 in 1981 to 4,928,458 in 2001.

Over the next 17 years, it is expected it could swell to a total of about 5,500,000 people.

Migration and people retiring to the region have added to natural population growth.

Housing call

The South West population grew by 12.5% over the 20 years from 1981 to 2001, compared with an average rate for England of 5%, the census showed.

It also showed that in recent years areas such as Torridge and Teignbridge in Devon saw some of the biggest rises in population.

Andy Seamen, head of Development Services for Torridge District Council, said that although increasing populations cause pressures on local services, they can also have a positive impact on local communities.

He said: "I think the benefits could include sustainable communities, increased support for service provisions such as schools or shops, increased economic activity, and generally helping the vitality of most of our rural areas."

Devon-based planning consultant Jim Claydon, said: "We have to build more houses primarily because people are living longer and they are living by themselves.

"Add to that the number of people moving into the region and we have a substantial requirement for new housing in the South West."