A ‘CORRIDOR’ connecting Oxford with Milton Keynes and Cambridge will help to solve the country’s housing shortage, according to a new report.

David Bainbridge, Divisional Managing Partner of Planning at property consultants Bidwells, has been looking at new government housing targets.

A National Infrastructure Commission report, delivered to the Government in November, highlighted that the corridor connecting Cambridge, Milton Keynes and Oxford has the potential to become the UK’s ‘very own Silicon Valley’.

The NIC warned, however, that a lack of sufficient and suitable housing presented a fundamental risk to the corridor’s success.

It said: “Without a joined-up plan it will be left behind by its international competitors - a once in-a-generation opportunity to secure the area’s future success.”

Mr Bainbridge said: “We have grave reservations about the new methodology proposed by DCLG and do not believe it will increase delivery. Neither is there any consideration of affordable housing needs in the new methodology or allowance for vacant or second homes.”

Mr Bainbridge said if the need for new infrastructure was not properly addressed it could restrict the growth of Oxford, Milton Keynes and Cambridge.

Strong support for the Cambridge-Milton Keynes-Oxford corridor in the Autumn Budget outlined the ambitious plan to build one million homes in the corridor by 2050, re-open the dormant Varsity Line railway route and support the delivery of an expressway between the UK’s two university cities.

Mr Bainbridge warned Oxford and Cambridge have two of the least affordable housing markets in the UK.