Britain’s housing shortage is well documented and unless policymakers start thinking more creatively, then the issue will only continue to worsen. Parts of the country like Leeds are also suffering from poor public transport connectivity.

Research published by think tank Centre for Cities shows that Britain's 12 largest cities are missing 1.2 million homes around inner-city train stations compared to G7 peers.

The Government currently has a default ‘yes’ planning policy for new housing around train, tram, and underground stations in England.

Leeds has the lowest overall rail coverage of Britain’s big cities. And that is where the West Yorkshire mass transit system would come in.

An artists impression for the West Yorkshire mass transit scheme.

placeholder image — An artists impression for the West Yorkshire mass transit scheme.

The proposals would introduce a mass transit system covering central and south Leeds, which could enable 30,500 homes around its stations alone, Centre for Cities says.

Affordable public transport is not just about getting people from one place to another cheaply. It is one of the most effective ways of stimulating the economy.

Young people who might have faced barriers to opportunities can realise their potential through the additional mobility it provides. More footfall is likely to be driven to the high street if people can get there easily. And as other developed countries have shown, it can also play a part in helping resolve the housing crisis.

This is yet another reminder as to why the West Yorkshire mass transit plans must succeed. A tram network has been repeatedly promised to the city of Leeds only for proposals to be kicked into the long grass before they are completely extinguished. But if the economy is going to start heading in the right direction and the housing crisis is going to be tackled then the latest proposals have to be realised.