The quality and supply of housing provision can have a far-reaching impact on the fortunes of a region and its residents. It is vital for sufficient housing to come forward to ensure housing need is met. An undersupply of housing can inflate house prices and affect the extent to which a region can attract and retain residents, particularly young people. Furthermore, housing delivery has an impact on economic growth, supporting a greater pool of labour and, by extension, the ability of a region to attract employers.

The Welsh Government has a clear aim within Future Wales to improve the housing offer in North Wales, with an estimated 16,200 additional homes needed in the region until 2039. The plan establishes a need to co-locate employment centres, strategic housing growth and services in the most sustainable and accessible locations, considering connections with Mid Wales and the North West of England.

The Wrexham and Deeside National Growth Area (Figure 3.1 below) is identified as the main focus for growth and investment in North Wales. Future Wales sets out an ambition for the Welsh Government to work with regional bodies and local authorities in the region and neighbouring authorities in England, to promote and enhance the area’s strategic role and ensure that growth is managed to support the needs of the wider region.