BUSINESSES can help build a case for more development in the North-East housing market.

The North East Chamber of Commerce (NECC) and law firm Watson Burton have launched task group to assess housing demand and its economic effects.

The survey is open to businesses with housing sector interests, as well as the supply chain, and canvasses opinion on various issues, including market performance and the region’s role in the wider housing agenda.

Tracy Hall, task group chairwoman and partner and group head for real estate at Newcastle-based Watson Burton, said: “The North-East is home to some of the major players in the UK construction industry.

“Our housing sector supports thousands of jobs and attracts skilled workers to the region, but are we maximising opportunities available for housing to satisfy market demand?

“This is something we would like to assess, and by launching our survey we will gain an objective picture of current approaches and constraints on development.”

Rachel Travis, NECC policy adviser, added: “The findings will provide invaluable data to inform future policy and offer a clear indication of how North East businesses feel about how we can capitalise on our region’s potential for development.”

The task group will publish a report on its findings later this year.