AMBITIOUS plans to build thousands of new homes across Worcestershire will need £801 million in infrastructure funding, according to a planning report.

Planning experts Baker Associates and transport consultants TPi concluded there was also a strong possibility of a £150 million cash shortfall for the regional spatial strategy which governs the county’s development until 2026.

More than 60,000 houses have been mooted across Worcestershire, including 24,500 across South Worcestershire, with the report estimating how much would be needed to build the infrastructure necessary to support new houses.

In the breakdown, the consultants estimated developers would carry most of the burden stumping up about £452 million with another £199 million from successful bid money sources and public funding.

Of the total needed, transport would swallow £523 million and social infrastructure such as schools and parks would take £278 million. The spatial strategy is the response to Government demands to meet house building needs over the next generation.

However, matched investment for new roads, rail links, schools, utilities and other infrastructure is crucial in keeping pace with development according to county councillor Derek Prodger, cabinet member for environment. “There may well be a funding gap,” he said.

“If we put in these houses we must have the infrastructure. If Government funding doesn’t come forward then it goes back on the developer. I have serious worries.

“There is a £150 million gap and we have no way of knowing how it will be filled. It can’t come from the county council.”

Coun Prodger said any shortfall in funding should not have to be shouldered by developers.

“Developer’s margins have already been squeezed and they will just pass it on to buyers. It has to come from the Government.”

The report’s authors estimated development costs by taking into account land already listed for potential development and through discussions with planning departments in each of the county’s six districts.

Building proposals for the Malvern and Wychavon district and Worcester city, known as the South Worcestershire Joint Core Strategy are still under rolling consultation.

Robin Walker, Conservative parliamentary candidate for Worcester, said: “Worcester’s infrastructure is already bursting at the seams. We need to make sure that future growth is supported by growth in infrastructure that will ease transport issues, avoid making flooding worse and guarantee quality public services.”

Hariett Baldwin, prospective Conservative West-Worcestershire parliamentary candidate, said she was not surprised there might be a shortfall and urged the Government to re-think its housing targets.