The Leader of Lewes District Council has spoken of her determination to continue to build council housing and her pride that despite ‘significant external challenges’, the authority remains one of the few in the UK developing new homes.
Councillor Zoe Nicholson was speaking during a Cabinet meeting this morning (14/3/24) where councillors approved the development of council owned brownfield land at Broyle Close in Ringmer.
Planning approval is in place for three / three-bedroom houses at Broyle Close using modular construction via the council’s delivery framework.
Councillor Nicholson said: “The housing crisis in the UK is never far from the headlines and with good reason. There has been a 27% increase in rough sleeping in England and a staggering 280,000 households are living in temporary accommodation – a record figure.
“With these unacceptable numbers in mind, my resolve to develop homes for local people is stronger than ever.
“Despite significant external challenges, not least the soaring costs associated with construction and limited levels of support from the government, this council has retained a focus on building quality homes for people on our housing register and that’s something I will always be very proud of.”