Since the year 2000, more than 620,000 white British people have upped sticks and moved out of London. But where are all these people moving to? Reporter Ryan Butcher finds that while the capital is losing its white British population, Lincolnshire is gaining...
Lincolnshire is known for much more than sausages, plum bread and one of the country's finest cathedrals.
It boasts some of the best schools in the country, a university in the top 50 of the league tables and, with the help of projects like Lincoln's £100 million Lindongate shopping complex and the science and innovation park, it is one of the most exciting counties for upcoming development.
It is no surprise then that while the number of white British people in London is dropping – by hundreds of thousands in the last 13 years – Lincolnshire's is increasing. According to the latest census figures, broken down in terms of local authorities, North Kesteven has seen a 13 per cent increase in its white British population, while West Lindsey has seen a further 10.7 per cent increase.
This population explosion is why the Central Lincolnshire joint strategic planning committee is trying to find sites for 42,800 new homes to be built in the middle of the county by 2031.
Marion Brighton, leader of North Kesteven District Council, believes the population shift from the capital to Lincolnshire was due to quality of living.
She said: "We are fortunate in the fact that quality of life in North Kesteven is second to none.
"Our towns and villages are vibrant and well-served and set within beautiful countryside.
"The district offers good access to other parts of the country, especially with the improvements that have been made on the A46.
"When considering a move to the district people will generally look at the cost of housing and the cost of living, both of which are attractive.
"Younger families will be drawn to the area for its first rate educational facilities, general quality of living and economic wellbeing.
"We have a strong cultural heritage and sound community cohesion, which together combine to enhance our district even further."
↧