Featured Region: East of England

The East of England has enjoyed five years of sustained growth in project starts, a longer period of uninterrupted growth than any other part of the UK. However the official output figures paint a weaker picture, with a stagnation in the private housing sector having held back growth over the last year.

While starts suffered from the widespread pre-election stall, the 14% fall in the three months to May meant the region fared better than many parts of the UK. Moreover detailed planning approvals have remained positive during the period, boding well for a quick return to growth later in the year.

Therefore prospects for the region remain positive with sustained growth in underlying project starts forecast for 2015 and 2016. However an easing in detailed planning approvals last year, especially in civil engineering projects, is expected to temper the pace of growth over the forecast period. The notable exception is the £1.8 billion Norfolk Bank wind array, although there are concerns that this project may be scaled back or even cancelled in light of recent changes in the energy market.