The report will be used to plan the region's economy

The South West Observatory's report found the area has the fastest growing population with growth set to continue at double the national average.

But the study also revealed that access to affordable housing is worse than anywhere outside London.

According to the report, the number of households who are homeless has gone up by over 40% in six years.

Other findings of The State of the South West 2004, include the fact that the region has the highest life expectancy for woman and the second highest for men.

Levels of crime in the region are also said to be low.