As a result, the housing stock in Cheshire East increased by a total of 2,321 properties in 2017/2018, a 31% increase on the number of new homes built the previous year.

Of the new homes built, 655 were subsidised affordable homes, which represented 27% of all housebuilding in the borough.

“At a time when so many people are looking for a home of their own, it is encouraging to see the highest growth ever in the housing stock of Cheshire East,” said Cllr Ainsley Arnold, cabinet member for housing, planning and regeneration at Cheshire East Council.

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“I am also delighted that over a quarter of these homes are subsidised affordable housing to meet the needs of local people.

“This demonstrates that homebuilding benefits a broad cross section of people in our communities.

“We need the right mix of housing to enable us to both attract and retain people and jobs – to continue to deliver strong economic growth across the borough.”

Macclesfield, Crewe, Congleton and Sandbach were the recipients of the highest number of affordable houses.

Some 375 of the affordable homes across the borough were built as housing to rent.