Legal News
Lancaster City consultation to identify new land for up to 6,000 new homes (26 October 2015)
Date: 26/10/2015
Lancaster City Council is currently holding a major new public consultation to help to identify new land for building between 5,000 and 6,000 new homes.
The council estimates there is a current need for 13,000 new homes in the city – and is also looking to find more development land, in addition to many sites that have already been identified.
A consultation in 2014 looked at five in-principle options for new strategic development sites – and now Lancaster City is asking the public to help it to come up with the right option to meet the district’s housing needs up to 2031, through a six- week consultation held from October 19 to November 30.
Based on the results of the 2014 consultation and other evidence, the council is proposing that the district’s needs cannot be met by one single option and is exploring a hybrid approach with three parts – a large urban extension to Lancaster, Green Belt review and village expansion.
Lancaster City Council’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for Economic Regeneration and Planning, Councillor Janice Hanson, said:
“The council still needs to decide on a definitive answer as to the final number of new homes that need to be built – but all the indications are that it could be up between 650 and 700 annually between now and 2031.
“Land has been identified which would go some way to meeting this need – but we’re still left with a shortfall of between 5,000 and 6,000.
“Many people will say that we must not build new homes on such a scale, but the evidence and estimates we have of population and job growth show the opposite – growth will quickly outstrip demand unless we take action.
“If we do not properly plan using the evidence, then we run the risk of house prices becoming increasingly unaffordable – and having nowhere for young people and families to live in the future, forcing them out of the area to look for homes and work elsewhere.
“In turn, this would lead the district to stagnate and unable to attract new businesses, investment and jobs.”
It is estimated up to 9,500 new jobs could be created under the planning proposals.
Duncan Lewis Housing Solicitors
Duncan Lewis housing solicitors can advise rental tenants in the private sector on a wide range of housing matters, including disrepair and landlord’s duty to repair, as well as tenancy agreements – and landlord and tenant disputes, as well as
• Antisocial behaviour
• Landlord & Tenant disputes
• Right-to-Buy
• Section 146 Notice (notice to quit)
• Tenancy agreements
• Unlawful eviction.
Duncan Lewis can also advise homeowners on issues such as debt management and mortgage repossession – including council’s obligation to re-house.
Duncan Lewis also offers competitively priced conveyancing services to homebuyers – including guiding first-time buyers through the conveyancing process.
For expert legal advice on property and housing law, call Duncan Lewis housing solicitors on 020 7923 4020.