Peoples Republic of South Devon

Housing developments

March 13th, 2008

posted by Cptn

For all those out there who missed the housing experts get-together on Tuesday at Devon County Hall, here’s a couple of quotes to keep you up to speed.

The Town and Country Planning Association (TCPA), for that is who they were, looked at eco-towns, sustainable communities and ‘the affordable housing crisis in the region’. Sounds good stuff. Not least cause The TCPA is an independent campaigning charity, which holds seminars on eco-towns to assist local authorities and development agencies to deliver sustainable housing growth.

Tony Fyson, vice chairman of the group, told the PRSD: “The ecological aspect of how developments are built is right at the top of the agenda. The eco-towns initiative provides the opportunity to marry the social need for more affordable housing and community infrastructure with the environmental issues associated with housing growth, providing better communities in the long term.”

Hey, as long as said eco-towns aren’t in the middle of nowhere (BTW: ‘The two new communities currently proposed in Devon as part of the Devon Structure Plan may not be eco-towns but they demonstrate many of the challenges and characteristics.’)

Edward Chorlton, Devon County Council Deputy Chief Executive and Director for Environment, Economy and Culture, Try Saying This With Your Mouth Full, told us: “Devon is a County with a number of growth points, for example, east of Exeter with plans for the new community of Cranbrook, expansion of the airport, Science Park, intermodal freight terminal and Skypark. The structure plan before last required two new communities – that was 12 years ago, and the first sod will be cut this year, all being well. Delivery for new settlements takes time and I’m interested in how housing provision can be accelerated to meet Government targets.

“The recent inspectors’ report into the Regional Spatial Strategy recommended a 30 per cent increase on the housing figures set out in the Regional Assembly’s draft. In Torbay alone it recommended a 100 per cent increase, that is around 10,000-20,000 homes, or the equivalent of building a new town the size of Paignton in Torbay.”

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Entry Filed under: Environment, Society