This week I put constituents’ concerns about housing targets to the new Housing Minister, Stuart Andrew MP.
There’s no doubt that we need new homes in Kent.
I hear from constituents all the time who have grown up locally and are now struggling to get on the housing ladder or even find somewhere to rent. We need to give young people a fair chance at owning their own home.
One of the problems is a lack of new homes built in recent decades, meaning that we’re now in a period of catch up - and there are no easy answers.
But local residents are understandably concerned about the scale and pace of what’s being proposed. I share concerns about the impact on the look and feel of our towns and villages. I put these concerns directly to the Housing Minister when we met recently.
We also need to make sure that these plans come with the right infrastructure in the right place to avoid heaping further pressure on local services. Local housing needs to benefit local people.
With the Government currently working on planning reforms this was the right time for a meeting, and I’m glad that the Minister is listening to the views of MPs.
I can assure local residents, I’ve made sure Faversham & Mid Kent’s views have been heard.
