29/09/2007 - Awbridge Affordable Housing Scheme

Village Housing Schemes

Today (29/9/07) Caroline attended the exhibition of the proposed affordable village housing scheme in Awbridge. 

This was the second week running that Caroline had had the opportunity to talk to local people about a proposed housing scheme in one of the Test Valley villages, and there was again a good level of debate and discussion to be heard.

Caroline said:

"I think what concerns many people is how these houses will be allocated, and what will constitute a local connection.  Equally there are valid worries that whilst the first tenants may have to have a strong link to the village, that might not hold true for the next resident.  It is so important that the section 106 agreements can be sewn up tightly enough so that the houses really do stay there to meet the need of the village and its population."

"Obviously as a member of the planning committee it is important that I keep an open mind on this type of scheme, as eventually it will come to TVBC's Southern Area Planning Committee for a decision.  However I really appreciated the invitation from Awbridge Parish Council to attend as it gave me an opportunity to hear a number of views from local people."