Empty homes could house the homeless

Some councils justify this pressure by quoting the number of applicants on their housing list.

How accurate are these lists, and what criteria are used to weed out those people who do not qualify?

Is it likely that any alleged demand to be housed could be inflated by the same individuals or families appearing on the lists of more than one council?

Judging by the continuing number of planning applications for private extensions, for small-scale new building, and by the number of vacant houses, it would seem that much of the demand could be met without the need for large new estates being set up.

We saw much strong opposition by councils and others to the suggestion of an Eco-Town at Ford, but the same objections have not been raised to the current proposal for a massive development north of Littlehampton, on prime agricultural land!

This scheme would necessitate new roads (free from potholes!), a new hospital (why was Littlehampton's hospital demolished?), new doctors and dentists, new shops, genuine open space and other leisure facilities, and a burial ground.

If all the essential infrastructure were to be provided (at an early date), would the quality of life for existing residents be improved?

It does seem very stupid to destroy land that could be used to feed a community and, at the same time, to cover the same land with thousands of hungry mouths!

W. F. Daggett

Barn Close, Littlehampton

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