ALMOST 700 new homes need to be built in the borough every year for the next two decades, according to a study.

The demand for housing has grown faster than previously thought as local authorities reassess the amount of accommodation which is needed.

In Reading borough 699 new homes will be required each year until 2036 according to the Berkshire Strategic Housing Market Assessment.

The new assessment puts the need over the next 20 years 2,540 houses higher than officers' last estimate in 2008.

The research found that councils in Wokingham, West Berkshire, Reading and Bracknell Forest would have to collectively create 2,855 homes annually.

Leaders at Reading Borough Council have stated they will work with neighbours to assess whether the need can better distributed across the county.

Councillor Tony Page, lead member for strategic environment, planning and transport, blamed the "buy-to-let bonanza" for exacerbating the situation.

He said: "This is a theoretical study of future housing need in Reading and across Berkshire, but the figures come as absolutely no surprise.

"Demand for housing in Reading is far outstripping what is possible when you take into account how much land is available, or indeed suitable, for new housing in the borough.

"The housing pressures in Reading are clear with house prices and private sector rents continuing to rise. For its part, Reading will continue to campaign not only for new housing, but for much more affordable social housing which is every bit as important.

"The current buy-to-let bonanza in Reading has done little to assist the underlying housing needs of the area."

Council officers previously believed the annual figure for the borough to be 572 new homes.

The location of where the homes could be built and how they may be provided will be discussed in more detail when the council launches the first stage of its Local Plan next January.

A public consultation will give neighbours the chance to have their say on how the need is met.

How many homes are needed around Berkshire:

  • Bracknell Forest: 635
  • Reading: 699
  • Slough: 927
  • South Bucks: 376
  • West Berkshire: 665
  • Windsor and Maidenhead: 712
  • Wokingham: 856