Area needs housing boost by 2026

The government has said more homes must be built in the East Midlands over the next 18 years than originally thought.

A report claims 21,750 homes will need to be built every year up to 2026, which is a 3.4% increase on the draft regional plan.

However, ministers have ruled out building on green belt land between Nottingham and Derby.

A 12-week consultation will now take place on the plans by the Government Office for the East Midlands (GOEM).

Ministers rule out building on green-belt land

The plan states that a third of the 527,725 homes built before 2026 should be affordable housing.

New sites for travellers should also be found in the area, according to the plan.

Parmjit Dhanda, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Communities said: "The proposals in this plan set out a vision for the future of the East Midlands.

"It is important that local people and all who are interested in the future development of the region have the opportunity to comment before the final strategy is published."