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People’s views are wanted by Tendring District Council (TDC) on its draft Housing Strategy. The document, which covers the period 2019-2024, sets out the council’s approach to deliver homes to meet the needs of local people. It identifies housing need across Tendring, with the council facing a particular shortfall of one-bedroom properties – especially those suitable for older people – and homes around Clacton.
A number of approaches are recommended as part of the strategy, looking both at longer-term ways of tackling the housing supply market such as through garden communities and the Local Plan, and making best use of and improving the existing council housing stock of 3,134 homes. In addition it also sets out a development and acquisition programme with an aspiration to increasing council housing stock by 200 homes in the next five years. This would be funded by borrowing, Right to Buy receipts and developer contributions.
Paul Honeywood, TDC Cabinet Member for Housing, said he looked forward to seeing the feedback from public and stakeholders, such as housing associations and landlords, before the strategy was finalised. “Housing is not just about bricks and mortar and we want to take a holistic look at the issue in the district,” Cllr Honeywood said. “We are determined to work with our partners to deliver local homes for local people, tackle homelessness, make the best use of existing housing and support people in their homes and communities. At the heart of this strategy is a commitment to deliver new council housing in the district for the first time in a generation. We have an excellent reputation as a landlord, and want to be an excellent enabler and provider of new, quality homes – whether in larger developments or smaller, community based schemes. The strategy also looks at how we tackle homelessness and issues within the private rented sector too, working proactively with landlords to improve homes and tackle the worst housing conditions using our enforcement powers.”
The draft Housing Strategy can be read on the TDC website here: https://www.tendringdc.gov.uk/housing/housing-strategies-policies
The consultation runs from Tuesday 5 November until Tuesday 17 December.
People can give their feedback through the website above or by contacting Peter Russell, Housing Executive Projects Manager, at Tendring District Council, 90 Pier Avenue, Clacton, CO15 1NJ. |
