Delays to projects caused by utility companies are endangering the government’s affordable homes target, the country’s biggest housing association has warned.

Colin Rae, Scotland development director at Places for People, said: “The delays have a knock-on effect for other developments. It puts the affordable homes target in jeopardy.”

Rae said the housing association plans to build 300 affordable homes in Scotland this year, but is behind schedule.

“We are not where we expected to be,” he said, adding that utility firms were causing delays to about two-thirds of projects. Delays are caused by utility companies taking months to draw up quotes and get on site for connections.

The Housing Corporation has set developers a target of building 35,000 affordable homes from 2006 to 2007.

Rae’s words echo the results of a recent National Federation of Builders survey, which found that almost 86% of projects were delayed by utility companies.

Topics