Empty homes anger as needy miss out
Last updated 13:35, Thursday, 16 October 2008
TWO houses in a controversial Slaley development were still standing empty at the official opening ceremony.
The Two Castles Housing Association development provides affordable homes in the village, where prices have rocketed in recent years.
But the pair of part-ownership scheme properties still have no occupants, despite applications from local people for the homes.
A representative from Two Castles said: “Both properties were originally allocated, but the sales fell through.”
It is hoped the properties will be occupied shortly as Two Castles has sales currently proceeding.
The development has been surrounded by controversy and disappointment from the outset in December 2006.
Building work on the seven affordable homes at Reaston View was delayed when contractors, Holly Construction, went into administration and the development was completed several months behind schedule in November 2007.
The development had been built with the support of the parish council to provide affordable housing for those living and working in the Slaley area.
However, it appeared that those with only a loose connection to the village were eligible for a home, rather than preference going to those born and bred in Slaley.
Families and couples were being given preference over single people for the three bedroom properties.
At a parish council meeting in March, Coun. Margaret Palmer said: “A single person who cannot afford to move out of their parents’ home surely has more need than a married couple who already have a house or have two wages.”
Adam Scott and his son Thomas, who were the original landowners, were bitterly disappointed with the lettings policy.
At the time of the launch he said: “We have nothing against the people who have moved in, but when we sold the land we were assured the homes would be for Slaley people.
“If we knew that wasn’t going to be the case we would never have sold the land in the first place.”
The housing scheme’s manager, Barry Moore, attended a parish council meeting to provide some answers.
Despite concerns being raised that those most in need were not being catered for, Mr Moore said:“All the applications are based on social housing needs policy, but a single person will not take precedence over a young married couple with children.”
However, in a statement this week Two Castles said:“Properties are allocated in line with an agreement drawn up between Tynedale Council, Two Castles and the parish council.
“This states that homes can only be sold or let to those who have a connection to the Slaley area – local people who live or work here.
“This ensures that local people who are in the greatest housing need are provided with accommodation.”
Portfolio holder for housing on Tynedale Council, Coun Edward He-slop, said: “Both Tynedale Council and Two Castles Housing Association are committed to ensuring that local people are given every opportunity to move into these properties.
Chairman of Slaley Parish Council, Coun. Ian Hancock, was present at the opening ceremony, but he declined to attend a celebratory lunch.
He said: “There is still a need in the village for more affordable housing and perhaps some of a different kind for starter housing.”
