New research shows planning policies to resist further one bedroom flats, bedsits and houses in multiple occupation in Cliftonville are working.
The annual monitoring report of the Local Development Framework looks at how well the policies that were saved from the Local Plan were implemented from April 2009 to March 2010.
For the first time, the target of no planning applications in the Cliftonville West Renewal Area containing an element of one bed flats, bedsits and houses in multiple occupation has been met. This follows the adoption of the Cliftonville Development Plan Document, which restricts this type of accommodation in the area.
Elsewhere in the report, there was more good news, with 88 empty properties brought back into use, 41 of these were within Cliftonville West ward. 96% of new homes in the district were built on previously developed land, exceeding the 70% target in the 2006 Local Plan, while 196 affordable homes were provided, more than double the amount in the previous year. Again, this significantly exceeded the target set.
Shop and commercial vacancy rates in Margate and Ramsgate town centres increased, although the figure decreased in Broadstairs. The report also found that Thanet has an adequate supply of house building land. Over the twelve month period covered by the report, 520 new homes were completed, compared to a requirement of 375.
Cllr. Roger Latchford, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Regeneration, said: “Thanet has a fantastic environment, and many historic areas we must protect and keep, but there are some particular local problems we simply must address. The introduction of planning policy, much of which is unique to Thanet, has proved to be a success and this report highlights that. Thanks to the specific policies we have in place for Cliftonville West, no plans came forward for bedsits, one bedroom flats or houses in multiple occupation in that area during 2009/10. That’s undoubtedly good news for the area, as these types of accommodation can frustrate our efforts to restore confident and settled communities. I’m also encouraged to see how many affordable homes are being delivered in the district and how many empty properties are being brought back into use. Both are being achieved thanks to the hard work and dedication of council officers. The increase in shop and commercial vacancy rates in Margate and Ramsgate is disappointing to see, but the council is doing everything it can to encourage trade in both towns.”
The report was agreed today (Friday 10 December) by the council’s Cabinet and will now be submitted to the government.
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