Four year housing strategy - views sought (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Four year housing strategy - views sought

9:00am Tuesday 1st May 2012 in News By Andrea Glennon

MORE empty homes in the Cotswolds will be better filled if the district council’s four year housing plan is approved.

Cotswold District Council wants feedback on its draft housing strategy for 2012-16 that details how the council will meet housing needs while enhancing housing choice, improve the quality and use of existing housing, and tackle homelessness.

The consultation period runs until Monday, June 25 when the deadline for responses is 5pm.

CDC housing lead Cllr Carole Topple (Cons-Riversmeet) said it was vital that the housing strategy was right to provide the best possible service in the district.

"We must hear from the public about this draft plan given the local and national importance of housing and the major effect it has on quality of life," she said.

"It would also be extremely useful to receive information or suggestions about alternative or additional ways to address the issues."

She said one of the major priorities for the council was bringing empty homes across the district back into use.

"We are working in partnership with local estate agents, a charity and an architect’s practice to encourage owners to take action, which will fill empty properties.

"The public can also help by letting us know about empty homes that they would like to make available for somebody to live in – hopefully, this draft strategy will stimulate interest."

The draft plan is available online where the public can submit their views and comments using an online form which contains a list of general consultation questions and specific questions.

The form can be downloaded and posted to the council offices in Trinity Road or the Moreton Area Centre.

For more information about the consultation email housing-strategy@cotswold.gov.uk

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