Private sector offers to bridge affordable housing gap

Posted on 13/05/2011

Dorset’s biggest private landlord is offering to buy land from an East Dorset housing provider in a bid to build homes for those in need.

Responding to news that Synergy Housing will build just 22 homes in the area over the next four years, Dave Wells Properties said the private sector is willing to step in to help.

Dave said: “The Council is already turning to neighbouring areas for help meeting their housing requirements yet it’s vital for the future economy of the region that young people and new families can set up home here.  It’s also imperative that older residents are able to stay living in the communities they know and love.

“There are plenty of suitable sites where homes could be provided and, given the level of need, it would be a travesty if the public sector simply holds on to land because it doesn’t have the funds to develop.

“We have a strong working relationship with East Dorset District Council and a strong track record in providing good quality, attractive and affordable homes. And we can move fast – if we acquire the land we could be seeking planning permission within a matter of weeks and getting construction underway by Christmas.”

There are more than 2,000 people on East Dorset District Council’s housing waiting list and the charity Shelter says affordable housing is needed urgently to prevent spiralling homelessness.