SOME of the major businesses in the South East have expressed concern at the proposed reduction in the number of houses to be built in the region.

Representatives at the quarterly meeting of the CBI South East Council were worried about the amended numbers included in the South East Plan, which were modified by a special resolution passed at the latest plenary meeting of the South East England Regional Assembly (SEERA).

The Plan sets out a vision for the region through to 2026, focusing on improvements needed to ensure the region remains economically successful. It addresses issues such as housing, transport, economy and the environment.

Nigel Bourne, CBI director for the South East, said: “Housing is an important issue for businesses in the South East and a major consideration for companies when deciding whether to invest or expand in the region.

“There is already a backlog of at least 29,000 houses and the revised numbers, as low as 25,500 dwellings being constructed per annum, will only serve to exacerbate an already critical situation.”

Alan Wood, chief executive of Siemens and chairman elect of the CBI Council, said: “This is a worrying development, not only for business in the region but for housing generally.

“We want the South East to remain the vibrant hub of the UK economy and this can only send a negative message to potential investors.”

Mr Bourne added: “The demand for housing is certainly an enormous challenge for the region, but one we must rise to.”

The message from the CBI Council emphasised the need for business to make its voice heard in the consultation period on the plan, which will run from mid January to mid April 2005.

Details of the consultation process can be found at www.southeast-ra.gov.uk.