Call for more homes in area

A body that represents providers of affordable homes in England has stated that more need to be built in South Holland.

The National Housing Association (NHA) claims that the average home in the district now costs £184,430 which it says is nearly eight times the mean salary for the area of £23,613.

It also claims that between 2012 and 2016, around 1,180 too few homes were built in South Holland.

It’s part of a report the NHA has released called: “The East Midlands Home Truths”.

Further claims in the report include that 23 per cent of housing benefit recipients are in work but are unable to afford their rent which is lower than average in England.

It also says there are currently 1,273 affordable homes in the district.

Helen Greig, External Affairs Manager for the National Housing Federation, said: “The housing market has seen a relentless rise in the gap between house prices and people’s salaries. South Holland is no exception.

“Attaining a mortgage is increasingly unrealistic and private sector rents make saving up that bit more difficult. If we want to get serious about ending the housing crisis, we need to start looking at unlocking more land so we can build homes faster.”

Christine Lawton, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Health said: “South Holland District Council is a pro-growth authority, demonstrated by the active working relationships we have with a number of house builders to deliver thousands of homes over the next few years.

“As readers are aware, the council recently helped secure government funding of £12million that will unlock land to deliver an initial 600 homes and the planned delivery of a further 4,000 homes in Spalding.

“We have plans to deliver a number of housing projects: 2,250 homes are being built on Holland Park, 650 planned homes at Peppermint Junction in Holbeach and plans are in place for a further 430 new homes in the district every year until 2036.

“If you add the fact that we have permission in place to deliver 3,191 houses on sites where development has already begun, 764 new homes where full planning permission has been given and outline permission for a further 2,305 homes, then things look positive in terms of delivery.

“We also recognise that affordable homes are a priority for residents and we are in the process of submitting two schemes for 58 council-owned properties in the Spalding area.”