LETTER: New homes are not affordable

Pulborough, Henfield, Billingshurst, Southwater, Broadbridge Heath, Horsham, just some of the areas that have sustained large developments over several years and have more in the pipeline.
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Have these developments or are these developments fulfilling the local housing needs in these areas? I think the answer is a resounding NO!

With our countryside being eaten up by ever increasing market housing developments of 3, 4, 5 bedroom properties there is a scandalous disregard for ‘Affordable’ housing, though the word ‘affordable’ is overstated as rents for these properties are in the range of between £550 - £850 a month, which means quite a few tenants (who are in employment) still find it difficult to manage and have to apply for help with housing benefit.

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One example is the Wickhurst Green development in Broadbridge Heath where near the roundabout is a signboard stating Moat Housing Association has four 2-bedroom and seven 3-bedroom houses available. Sadly this seems to be the trend across the county where not enough affordable housing is allocated at new development sites.

Can local people afford to buy these properties which have a price tag of from £337,950? In an age where ‘jobs for life’ seems to have disappeared and wages have not increased in comparison how many families have their homes repossessed or have to rent privately?

With the cost of living rising, food prices increasing not just by the odd 1p or 2p but by 5p or 10p, if not more, how many more people will be relying on food banks ?

Many campaign groups across the county have all stated over recent years that our villages and towns are becoming commuter towns and villages, sadly it seems that the whole county is being affected in this way whilst local people on the housing register are still left waiting.

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Is it time for councils to return to the days of building properties for locals to rent and thus reducing the waiting lists or being able to re-house families who are living in overcrowded conditions.

Maybe, just maybe, with Neighbourhood Plans being produced, there might be a more sensible approach, I guess we can live in hope.

Lorraine Dale

Stane Street Close, Codmore Hill, Pulborough