Council pledges ‘good quality homes for all’
FIVE-YEAR PLAN FOR ‘AFFORDABLE’ AND GREENER HOUSING IN TOWN
A COUNCIL has approved a plan to build more “affordable and sustainable” homes over the next five years.
The strategy for 2021 to 2026 was officially approved by Melton Borough Council earlier this month to address the pressing issue of the area’s need for new housing.
Two of the biggest points addressed in the plan are the increasing demand for homes classed as “affordable” – both for sale and for rent – in the town and surrounding area, as well as the environmental impact of population growth.
The plan states the area will need 70 additional affordable homes every year, in addition to those already in the pipeline.
It hopes to achieve that by securing greater financial contributions from developers who are given permission for major developments, as well as funding from government.
The council says that Melton’s homes make up 28 per cent of the area’s CO2 emissions, which is higher than county and regional averages.
It says it will aim to combat this through increased investment in efforts to decarbonise homes in the area, including retrofitting older properties in conservation areas to make them more energy efficient.
Also, it says new homes should be built net-zero, so the council does not have to return to retrofit them (adding something it didn’t have when built) with more eco-friendly energy-efficient heating. Following the approval of the strategy, the council intends to release a delivery plan later in 2022 to address how it will solve the problems the acknowledges. Councillor Robert Bindloss, portfolio holder for growth and prosperity, said: “This strategy has been produced through consultation with the local commuand nity and key partner organisations.
“It sets out our collective ambitions, to ensure good quality homes for all, to deliver housing growth to meet the needs of our growing popstrategy ulation and to provide support, advice and assistance to help people live well in their homes.
“The strategy also recognises how housing can help to support our broader goals around health and wellbeing, economic growth and prosperity, and in particular climate change, addressing the need for housing in the Melton Borough to become more sustainable.”
Councillor Ronan Browne, lead for council homes and landlord services, said: “We understand that due to rises in house prices, rent costs and the cost of living the need for more affordable homes throughout the borough is becoming increasingly imperative.
“With that in mind, this is a key theme of the housing strategy, particularly rented homes, which includes the council’s housing stock.
“The new strategy will help shape how the council manages its homes, it reflects our commitment to improve the quality of our council housing, as well as reduce carbon emissions and energy costs for our tenants.”