Councillors attack planning loophole

Evening Echo 10th July 2006

Anger after flat plans passed with no affordable homes
By Jon Austin, Political reporter

DISAPPOINTED councillors vowed to fight for a change in the law after being forced to agree a flats development with no affordable homes.
The council’s development control committee has had to agree plans by Metropolitan & County Group to develop 24 flats above the Willows Shopping Centre in Wickford — despite concerns over the absence of affordable homes.
Members heard how the developer had no legal obligation to Provide or fund such properties because its proposal was below 25 units, even though it will be next to 24 flats it has already built above the centre. The firm can now convert a first-floor shop storage area and create two further stories to allow 13 one-bedroom and 11 two-bedroom units.

Phil Rackley, Pitsea South East councillor, urged the council to lobby the Government to change laws so developers could not “develop a number of small complexes” to avoid the legislation. “We face a very severe housing shortage and need for affordable homes in this area and this needs to change,” he added. 

His call was backed by the committee. Concerns were also raised over lack of parking because the firm proposed to provide just 12 parking spaces via season tickets.
Councillors heard how the company carried out a survey on the original 25-space parking area and found an average of 11 cars parked at anyone time.
But Frank Tomlin, Laindon Park councillor, warned use of the existing car park may bear no relation to the usage of any new area.

The firm also agreed to give £50,000 towards improving nearby pedestrian crossings.