This is a statement from Bob Seely MP in response to the Isle of Wight Council's announcement that it will set aside £29 million to 'help tackle the Island's housing crisis'.
Bob Seely MP said: “I welcome the Isle of Wight Council’s statement of intent to tackle Islanders’ housing needs. We need a plan that increases the number of genuinely affordable homes on the Island. Our young people need first homes, our older people need options for downsizing and families need stability.
“I want to see the council develop a strategy that makes the best use of brownfield sites first. That means using the money it has been allocated from the Government’s Brownfield Land Release Fund to develop brownfield sites.
“It also means thinking creatively about how to utilise brownfield land across the Island to encourage town centre regeneration. For example, in Newport the council needs to end its plans to build homes on greenfield land at Seaclose Park, and instead focus on areas of the town that are in desperate need of regeneration.
“I look forward to hearing more about the council's plans for housing as the budget is finalised.”
