Legal News

Guildford Borough Council has devised a Local Plan to tackle borough's potential housing crisis.

The council says the borough will face a housing crisis if the demand for more suitable homes is not tackled soon – and the area needs sustainable development focused on building more homes of the required size and type.

The council says that the housing shortage also has a major impact on employment and transport.

Lead Councillor for Housing and Social Welfare, Councillor Tony Rooth, said:

“Our borough has a serious housing shortage and three key concerns must be confronted.

“Firstly, the supply of smaller and more affordable properties is seriously below the level needed.

“Secondly, we must make best use of land available for housing, hence the council's firm policy of brownfield first.

“Thirdly, urban land covers no more than nine per cent of the borough, giving little room for growth without including a small part of the Green Belt that stretches across eighty-nine per cent of our borough.

“We feel we can achieve our goals with just 1.6 per cent of land taken from the Green Belt and allocated for development.”

The council says that, to avert a potential housing crisis, the Local Plan aims to balance the needs of all residents, businesses and visitors – and will also protect the borough's most important countryside, landscapes and heritage in “planned, pragmatic and sustainable” ways.

The revised Local Plan was published on Tuesday, 5 April 2016, having considered more than 20,000 comments and questions received from local residents, businesses and organisations during the most recent public consultation.

The plan is also supported by detailed evidence, using the best advice and forecasts available. A Consultation Statement will be issued in May 2016 highlighting the changes made.

Cllr Rooth added:

"We live in a prosperous, but expensive borough, which is seriously short of affordable housing – average house prices here are about £450,000 and the private rental market is equally costly. You just have to look at prices on local estate agents' particulars for sale or to let to understand the issues.

“Many people who work in the borough – including essential workers such as teachers, nurses, police officers and carers – cannot afford to live here, whether in bought or rented accommodation.

“The Local Plan aims for forty per cent of new homes to be affordable – the borough also needs many smaller homes available for all ages and needs: the young looking for a first home, older 'empty-nesters' wanting to downsize and stay local – and those wishing to move or work within the borough are hindered by the current limited choice of modest-size homes.

“We need a practical and balanced approach to housing across our borough.

“We have an adequate supply of prime rural houses, but a serious shortage of smaller, more affordable homes – which may become a crisis if decisive action is not taken.”

Duncan Lewis Housing Solicitors

Duncan Lewis housing solicitors can advise on all property and housing matters, including advising on planning consents and appeals.

Duncan Lewis also offers competitively-priced conveyancing services to homebuyers, including guiding first-time buyers through the conveyancing process.

The Duncan Lewis housing department regularly advises landlords and public sector or private sector tenants on a wide range of housing matters – including Right to Rent checks, landlord’s obligations under the Housing Act, disrepair of rented accommodation, Landlord and Tenant disputes, tenancy agreements and unlawful eviction.

For expert legal advice on property and housing law, call Duncan Lewis housing solicitors on 0333 772 0409.