Affordable Housing? What about us?

8.55.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 29th Feb 2008

Nick Appleby

Tynedale has recently approved a host of small development schemes for affordable housing in the West and North of the district. Despite reservations at times about what constitutes 'affordable' housing, the LibDems have strongly supported such schemes but there has been a serious lack of action towards providing affordable housing east of the A68.

The Bywell districts of Ovingham, Horsley, Newton, Ovington, Bywell and Wylam have a serious shortage of existing social housing while property prices have increased beyond first time buyers. Many residents with strong family ties to the area are being forced to relocate breaking up traditionally close-knit communities.

Councillors Nick and Tom Appleby have been campaigning in Wylam for the compulsory purchase of land and empty properties in the village and are very keen to learn of any other empty properties or suitable sites in other communities that can be put forward for purchase consideration.

Nick said, "We have a desperate need for increased social housing in our villages but this should not be on large scale housing estate proportions but scattered, smaller development opportunities. These must also include very stringent safe guards that only people who have a genuine connection to the community are considered first."