The planning committee has approved a proposal for new council homes in Kent, securing 11 votes in favor while one member voted against the application and another abstained. The agreement clears the way for building new affordable housing units on the site of a former social club. This initiative addresses the real need for affordable housing in the area.
That means that each proposed home will have a minimum of two bedrooms. You’ll appreciate a private rear garden and ample front yard with patio space. The designs focus on community engagement, featuring a common space that can host about a dozen neighbors among the trees. The architects, Bell Phillips Architects, intentionally designed these homes to encourage social interaction between future residents.
Not all members of the committee were in favor of the proposal. Councillor Keith Bothwell spoke against the order as a matter of conscience, contending that the homes did not provide an acceptable living environment.
“As much as we want to build new council housing and I would fully support that principle, I don’t think this current proposal is providing decent quality housing in terms of the amenity space for those new residents,” – Councillor Keith Bothwell.
In particular, Councillor Bothwell pointed to the lack of space allowed for residents. He cautioned that if there was not enough space provided, residents may feel trapped.
“They will be crawling up the walls because they haven’t got space to do anything,” – Councillor Keith Bothwell.
Banning Messaging Councillor Dan Smith passionately defended the proposal. He pointed out that a lot of homes already have smaller gardens in place all over Canterbury. He dismissed the issues that Councillor Bothwell was trying to highlight.
“Probably all of us are aware of houses that have smaller gardens than these, most certainly I am in Canterbury,” – Councillor Dan Smith.
Councillor Smith concluded by stating, “That’s not something that particularly concerns me with this.”
The approval of these council homes reflects a broader effort to tackle housing shortages while balancing community needs and individual preferences. The planning committee has made a firm adoption to providing affordable housing choices. Unfortunately, members have expressed reasonable concerns over the type-quality and quality of life-standards.
