Lancaster City Council praised for work on district's housing strategy

Lancaster Vision - formed under the umbrella of Lancaster Civic Society with the aim of bringing together people and groups with an interest in securing the best outcome and increased prosperity for the Lancaster district - joined with the city council last month to organise an online conference for residents throughout the district to hear from the council directly about what their new Homes Strategy will mean to them.

The successful event discussed issues including homelessness, social housing, eco-housing, affordable housing, co-housing, landlord unlawful practices and housing poverty.

Afterwards, Lancaster Vision chairman James Wilkie said: "Lancaster City Council is to be commended on the production of the Homes Strategy.

"It's comprehensive, ambitious, and written in an accessible style. We believe that it covers the main priorities of the local community. We are pleased by the recognition of the significant contribution good quality housing makes to the wellbeing of individuals and families.

"Lancaster Vision has long advocated a significant increase in the supply of social housing. We are pleased that the Homes Strategy recognises the inherent advantages of the city council retaining a Housing Revenue Account and ownership of several sites suitable for housing, and we commend the city council on the decision to establish a wholly-owned subsidiary company to facilitate the provision and improvement of social housing.

"We are impressed by the emphasis given to the contribution that housing policy can make to tackling the climate emergency."

Meanwhile, Lancaster Vision has also joined forces with Lancaster Civic Society to show their support for the Bailrigg Garden Village plans, which is currently under consultation.

In a joint statement, they said: "Lancaster Civic Society and Lancaster Vision continue to support the development of Bailrigg Garden Village in line with the detailed policy framework contained in the Lancaster Local Plan.

"The Civic Society and Lancaster Vision understand the concerns expressed by the local community relating to flooding and traffic issues and the need for the provision of appropriate community facilities. We would urge [master planners] JTP to provide clear assurance that effective measures will be put in place to ensure that these issues are dealt with.

"Lancaster Civic Society and Lancaster Vision supported this scheme on the basis of the principles set out in the city council’s Expression of Interest.

"We would stress that our ongoing support is contingent on these principles and the subsequently agreed policies in the approved Lancaster Local Plan relating to Bailrigg Garden Village being adhered to.

"We were reassured by the views of JTP that the scheme will be developed in accordance with the approved local plan policies relating to the Bailrigg Garden Village and that no attempt by landowners and developers to undermine or dilute these will be accepted."