Lib Dems call for Wick homes plan to be scrapped

Back in September, 2013, the council’s cabinet agreed to obtain further reports to provide ‘more detailed information about the type and siting of development envisaged’.

The minutes of that meeting said: “Following some discussion, the head of housing confirmed that further reports would be coming back to cabinet to provide more detailed information regarding the type and siting of development envisaged.

“Work had already commenced to set priorities and identify sites and there would be close working between the housing and planning teams to ensure the right schemes would come forward.”

However, the reports have never been considered by the cabinet or full council.

Plans to build council homes in Wick have proven divisive, with many residents arguing the proposals will take away cherished green areas and parking spaces needed for existing residents.

Arun Liberal Democrat leader Francis Oppler said: “The council has made a mistake here. Plans to build council homes in Wick have proven unpopular. I request that all work be stopped at the proposed development site in Wick, until a full impact study has been carried out.”

Cllr Oppler said green and open spaces owned by the council should be surveyed and evaluated as sites for council homes and council homes should not be built in areas where there is a lot of social housing already.

Cllr Oppler’s points are due to be discussed by the council at its meeting on Wednesday.

A spokeswoman for Arun District Council said: “At this present time, there has been no resolution with regard to proposed locations for new council housing in the Arun district and we are currently looking at a number of alternative sites.”