Council homes closer

There is a shortage of homes in the town, both to rent and to buy. Building by private developers of new homes for sale has reduced drastically as a result of the state of the economy. This, together with the increasing difficulty for people to raise a deposit for a mortgage, has meant even greater demand for homes to rent.

Councillors now plan to develop two small parcels of land at Coltsfoot Road and in Whitton Church Lane and a larger site in Bader Close in partnership with Orwell Housing Association that would see  approximately 120 council homes being built.

Residents living near the sites in Whitton Church Lane and Coltsfoot Road are being consulted about the plans and two public meetings are being held:

Monday 3rd September - the Coltsfoot Road consultation will take place in the communal meeting room at Chantry Community Shop, 26 Lavender Hill, from 3pm to 6pm.

Wednesday 5th September - the Whitton Church Lane consultation will be held  in the first floor community room at Whitton Sports Centre, Whitton Church Lane from 3pm until 6pm.

Councillor John Mowles, Housing portfolio-holder, said: "These sites are owned by the Council, which makes it easier to proceed quickly. They are already in residential areas, so development will make good use of these under-used sites. The building of council homes will also create much-needed jobs - another key priority of the Council."