Last week I had the opportunity to highlight and discuss the housing issues we are currently facing in North Devon. I attended the Homes for the South West event in Westminster with MPs from across the House where affordable housing suppliers were keen to detail what more could be being done locally by our Council to address the lack of affordable properties being built here in North Devon.
I also spoke at the Shelter event which was highlighting a number of campaigns they have been running ahead of the long awaited Planning White Paper and Rental Reforms legislation. Whilst some of the steps needed to address the proliferation of second homes and short term holiday lets do need government intervention, many of the issues around derelict buildings, developers not fulfilling their social housing obligations, and very low percentages of affordable housing in developments are the responsibility of our housing authority, North Devon Council. Our small and hardworking team of planning and enforcement officers are doing their best, but they need political leadership, backing and resources to have any real and lasting effect.
I continue to share ideas with the Council, and have again written with concerns raised with me by residents about progress with specific local developments, but I do believe there is more that can be done locally and I will continue to press ministers at Westminster and highlight the severe lack of affordable homes in our community.
