Core Strategy Issues & Options

Comment

Representation ID: 18831

Received: 13/02/2007

Respondent: McCarthy and Stone UK Ltd.

Agent: Levvel

The Council should concentrate on the following things prior to and during development of the preferred options on affordable housing:

. Identification of stakeholders
. Developing effective methods of engaging with these stakeholders
. Developing a robust and credible evidence base and increasing awareness of the issues
. Producing a comprehensive spatial strategy with priorities linked to the community strategy
. Forming policy options through a collaborative approach with the development industry
. Assessing through consultation and sustainability appraisal, a range of options to deliver the required amount of affordable housing identified in the spatial strategy and policy options.

Comment

Representation ID: 18832

Received: 13/02/2007

Respondent: McCarthy and Stone UK Ltd.

Agent: Levvel

The provision of affordable housing should be included within the Core Strategy as a strategic objective where the community Strategy and evidence base has identified it as an issue. The data that informs the numbers of affordable homes required will change over the lifespan of the document therefore the Core Strategy should not draw detailed numerical conclusions in terms of percentage targets, although it should make clear what is to be delivered, who is to deliver it, by when, where and how. Also what transport/infrastructure would need to support it.

Comment

Representation ID: 18960

Received: 22/02/2007

Respondent: McCarthy and Stone UK Ltd.

Agent: The Planning Bureau Limited

Should concentrate on supplying private sheltered housing. High proportion of retired and nearly retired people. Elderly stay in their home a long time, resulting in under-occupation.

There is a shortage of private sheltered housing and stay put and adapt is not the best solution for many older people.

Private sheltered housing:-

. Increases availability of family type housing stock
. Helps people engage with the community
. Promotes independent living
. Is a home for life
. Benefits local economy significantly
. Alleviates pressure on the NHS
. Offers sufficient space and high standard specification for older people
. Transforms the quality of life of its residents.

Comment

Representation ID: 18961

Received: 22/02/2007

Respondent: McCarthy and Stone UK Ltd.

Agent: The Planning Bureau Limited

The second point raised in the Core Strategy "Question 2" relates to meeting the needs of both younger and older generations. Personally I do not see this as a big problem as most Districts/Cities/Boroughs have succeeded with this. The balance should be made with supplying the area with services that are vital for the needs of elderly people, but also those for young people. This can be done with music shops, pubs, clubs, clothes shops, but also balanced with charity shops and other services used regularly by elderly people.