Affordable homes boost for Swad
PLANS FOR 20 HOUSES CLOSE TO MEMORIAL PARK
THE number of affordable homes in South Derbyshire could be boosted in a rare move as plans are submitted to build more than 20 in Swadlincote.
“Affordable housing” can be for those looking to rent or to buy. When it comes renting, the price per month should be no more than 80 per cent of the local average market rent.
For those who buy, mortgage payments on affordable homes should be no more than what is paid in rent for council houses – and still below market levels.
Land in Staley Close, just a short walk away from Maurice Lea Memorial Park could be the site for up to 22 affordable houses, under plans submitted to the planning committee at South Derbyshire District Council.
The homes would be developed and managed by Derby-based firm Derwent Living, and would see three two-bed bungalows, four two-bed houses and 15 three-bed houses built on the site.
Three separate letters of objection from people living near the site have been submitted to the district council, raising concerns regarding potential overlooking, noise levels and the possible devaluation of property.
The Highways Authority has not objected the plan – and neither did environmental health officers. The application says as the site is 5,600sq metres, roughly 20 per cent should be made up of woodland planting, according to the National Forest Company. But there is not sufficient space for this to happen, so a financial contribution of £3,850 has been requested instead.
Concerns have been raised by the Coal Authority as the site is close to three mine entrances.
However, following further investigation and a mining risk assessment from the applicant, it was found that the entries do not lie within the site boundary. However, measures have been urged to mitigate collapse risk.
The proposals will be discussed by the planning committee of the district council on Tuesday.