Conservative proposals to provide more affordable homes to people in rural areas have been dismissed by the Lab / Lib coalition running Brentwood Council.
At Wednesday’s Housing and Health Panel, Shadow Chairman, Roger McCheyne put forward that Clapgate Scrapyard in Stondon Massey be looked at for residential dwellings, in place of the Hallsford Bridge site, which has been deemed unsuitable by both housing and planning professionals.
Roger said, “Announcements from the Lab / Lib coalition that Hallsford Bridge will be used for housing ignores all of the professional advice, which says the site is unsuitable. Rather than keep pushing an area that is far from ideal, we would have preferred to see it sold and the money earmarked for affordable housing in other parts of the villages.”
The idea was backed by County Councillor, Roger Hirst who is responsible for Communities. He said, “There are schemes in other parts of Essex where affordable homes have not only been built but have also been earmarked for local people in rural areas. This would be fantastic for some of our villages, which would benefit from housing opportunities for local residents.”
Unfortunately, the Lib Dem Chairman of the Panel dismissed the idea without a second glance, choosing instead to stick doggedly to a plan which won’t work. However, Conservatives will be arranging meetings with Parish Council representatives to discuss potential proposals in more detail.
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Contacts:
Roger McCheyne (Shadow Housing and Health Chairman) : 07973 408233 Roger.McCheyne@brentwood.gov.uk
Roger Hirst (County Councillor) : 07785366235 Cllr.Roger.Hirst@essex.gov.uk