LIB DEM-CONTROLLED WOKING COUNCIL APPROVES MORE AFFORDABLE HOUSING

A progress report on a special project to create much-needed affordable homes in the Borough was positively received by Councillors attending Woking Borough Council's Executive meeting last week (Thursday 1 June).

The Priority Homes project aims to create new homes at a number of sites across the Borough by tapping into the financial support available through the government's Housing Private Finance Initiative. Following a pre-qualification process, the government has already earmarked £43 million of support for Woking.

At their meeting last week, Councillors considered feedback on the project from members of the public. A questionnaire circulated to the Citizens' Panel at the start of 2006 revealed that 72% of respondents support the Priority Homes project and 53% support an increase in Council Tax to provide the affordable homes. Generally, there is widespread community support for the provision of affordable homes although there are some site specific concerns about key points such as the environment, highway infrastructure, primary health care, school places and facilities for young people.

After discussing these issues, the Executive gave their approval for officers to take all the feedback into account and engage with appropriate local agencies to make them aware of residents' concerns on matters for which they are responsible.

Cllr Philip Goldenberg, Woking Borough Council's Portfolio Holder for Housing, said: "The Priority Homes project is a crucial part of the Council's plans to meet the housing need of local residents currently living in inadequate accommodation in the Borough. It is excellent news that so many of the Borough's residents, as well as all three political parties represented on the Council, are supportive of our number one priority of providing decent and affordable housing."

The next stage will be a special meeting of the Borough's Planning Committee on 20 June where the outline planning applications will be considered. At that meeting, Councillors will be able to air their concerns about particular sites and impose appropriate conditions which will need to be addressed when the detailed planning applications come before the Planning Committee at a later date.

Further information about the Priority Homes project is available from the Council's website www.woking.gov.uk. Additional enquiries can be directed to the Priority Homes project team on 01483 743891 or email priorityhomes@woking.gov.uk

(Reprinted from the Woking Borough Council website)