Down in the dumps (From Gazette & Herald)

Down in the dumps

RYEDALE residents fear new "affordable" housing could be used by councils as a dumping ground for problem tenants from inner city areas.

Concerns mounted after councillors gave the green light to a massive new 204-house development by Redrow Homes for land off Scarborough Road, Norton, where 92 properties will be for affordable rent or sale.

"It's a huge issue locally," said Coun Howard Keal, of Norton East ward, who sits on the planning committee.

"There have been major concerns about people with problem backgrounds being imported from socially-deprived areas of big cities.

"There are concerns that, effectively, this would import social deprivation that we are ill-equipped to cope with. Many concerns have been expressed by residents.

"I don't want to see housing associations being able to foist problem tenants from problems cities on to Ryedale and use it as a dumping ground."

Ryedale District Council has carried out a selective review of the Local Plan in relation to affordable housing provision. Councillors have agreed that, on all new housing developments where the number of new homes crosses a certain threshold, at least 35 per cent must be allocated affordable housing.

This allocation will be made up of a mixture of homes to rent or for sale at prices that reflect local income levels. The agreement will be formalised by holding a public inquiry in March.

To allay concerns, the district council is in the process of drawing up a nomination policy, soon to be presented to the community services and licensing committee.

It will make sure affordable homes can be allocated by the council to local people or people with connections to Ryedale, who are on the council's housing waiting list, which is held jointly with Ryedale Housing Association.

Coun Keal said: "A whole rung has been kicked away from the housing ladder. Many people cannot get on it, particularly first-time buyers and young people. The whole housing policy is designed to try and help bring things back into balance to enable people to have a home of their own.

"The risk of failing to take action is that it will undermine the credibility of the whole affordable housing policy. It's vital for the residents of Ryedale that it works."

Updated: 11:30 Tuesday, January 27, 2004