Call for more executive housing in Sunderland

City Conservatives have called on council bosses to build more executive housing to draw families to Sunderland.

In recent weeks, it was revealed that Sunderland City Council is facing an affordable housing imbalance with more than 2,000 people waiting for social housing that meets their needs.

At the council’s last full councilmeetingonJanuary30, a public question was lodged fromRachelFeatherstone,calling for action on the issue.

The question read: “Would the council pledge to make providing these homes a priority rather than the wholly unnecessary executive homes they plan on the green belt?”

At the meeting, cabinet member for housing and regeneration, Coun Stuart Porthouse, said the Conservative ‘right to buy’ policy was removing large numbers of homes from the rented sector.

He added the council’s local plan until 2033 would help boost the number of social homes, with a requirement for housing developments above 10 units to provide 15% affordable housing.

However, leader of the Conservative group on the council, Coun Robert Oliver, has since argued that a sole focus on social homes is an “unrealistic choice”.

Speaking after the meeting, he said: “Gentoo build good- standard social housing in Sunderland, including bungalows, for years but nowhere near enough in numbers.

“So there is a need for more affordable homes of different types to accommodate firsttime buyers and families on low incomes.

“But executive-style houses are also essential and all private builders should be encouraged to develop in the right locations in Sunderland.

“There is a lack of executive homes across Wearside, resulting in families living in the periphery in Durham or South Tyneside, which is a loss to the city.”

He added: “If Sunderland is to move forward we need to attract more high-income families to live, work and spend locally and housing is key to that.

“A new medical school is coming on track, which is a real boost to the city, but we need toensuregraduateswillbeable to live and practice here.

“The lack of executive homes is also affecting the council’s finances with 62% of properties in the lowest council tax band and only 1% in the top three bands.