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News  »  Affordable Housing walkabout



   Affordable Housing walkabout    15 July, 2014

A troop of Parish Councillors along with representatives from Cambridge ACRE, Hastoe Housing Association and their architect, had a walkabout in Fen Ditton yesterday. We should probably also mention a very young member of the group (1 year), with buggy, who kept us on pace and presented a few challenges over the rough ground.

The walkabout followed on from the survey of housing needs in the village earlier in the year, conducted by Cambridge ACRE. Councillors have been closely examining potential sites throughout the village that could be candidates for an Exception Site to meet the demand highlighted in the survey. For clarity, an Exception Site is a site that could not be used for normal open market housing, but where rules would allow development of a small amount of Affordable homes for people with a local connection. Councillors have also been on a fact finding tour of Exception Sites in other parishes throughout South Cambs, talking to councillors and residents.

While the survey clearly identified a need for affordable housing for local people, support for further development in the village was understandably mixed, making a decision difficult. The Parish Council will be reviewing the results of the walkabout and deciding if we should proceed further at a special meeting on the 5th August. Members of the public are welcome to attend.

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