Local people in Babergh will be able take advantage of more affordable rent opportunities after plans to change the ‘mix’ of homes available on a village development were given the go ahead.
Councillors at a meeting of Babergh District Council’s Strategy Committee today (7th) gave a thumbs up to proposals to boost the number of houses available for affordable rent when they are built at Poplar Road, Great Cornard - as well as agreeing to use space earmarked for a community facility for further housing.
Original plans for Poplar Road included the provision of six new shops, a community centre and 41 houses and flats earmarked for affordable rent and shared ownership.
But the latest research highlighted the possibility a community facility might no longer be the best use for the site because of a lack of demand - many local groups had moved, funding had been lost from the parish council, as well as the primary school offering its facilities for local groups.
The growing economic crisis, and the reduced availability of mortgages to buyers, also meant many shared ownership properties were not being filled in other developments across the county so more affordable rent allocations were pencilled in to avoid a block of empty homes and to help those waiting for rented accommodation.
Now the revised plans for Poplar Road will see up to three additional homes for affordable rent in place of the proposed community centre.
Ian Tippett, Babergh’s Strategic Housing Manager, said: “The decision to swap a community facility for more affordable housing is not one that was taken lightly. The North Cornard Regeneration Group considered the matter very carefully to make sure Babergh was recommending the right course of action.
“The new property mix, together with using the space for the community facility for housing, means we can provide 44 new homes for rent to help meet local housing needs. This will include 18 intermediate rented homes where the tenants have the option to become buyers once the economic climate picks up.
“The simple fact is the economic, and community, situation has changed considerably – what local people genuinely need is more affordable housing, so that is what we will deliver.”
And Cllr Sue Wigglesworth, Chairman of Babergh’s Housing Panel, added: “This decision is a positive step forwards for Poplar Road.
“Babergh has realised a proposed plan was not going to work in the way initially envisaged and rectified it accordingly before it was too late – or too costly - to be able to change it.
“Instead, what we will have is more affordable homes for local people and, in the light of current economic crisis being faced, that is something which is in all too short supply.”
The Poplar Road shops development, which was built in the 1970s, became a target for vandalism, rubbish dumping and anti-social behaviour and it was decided to redevelop in partnership with Flagship Housing Group.
Work had been due to start by early autumn 2007 but the project has experienced some delays. Complex legal issues has meant a start-on-site date keeps being pushed back but Babergh is now hopeful of work starting by summer this year. ENDS
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