Seven-Year Wait for Affordable Homes, But Finally They Arrive

After a mere seven-year wait, the Council has finally managed to get their hands on a whopping nine affordable homes and five shared ownership properties on the land at Shepway Close—or rather Arras Way, on the site pictured below – in orange.

The planning application Y18/1529/FH submitted in 2018, was approved at the planning committee on July 28, 2020, and work began in 2021. Originally, a grand total of 15 affordable homes were promised through a Section 106 agreement between Dwyer Engineering Services Ltd and the Council. But, in a shocking twist, only 14 have been handed over. Maths clearly isn’t the Council’s strong suit, as 9 + 5 somehow equals 14. Who knew?

This land was once home to the Dawson Road Youth Centre. After its closure, the land “was to have no further building upon it and that the remaining would be used for recreational purpose”, according to  Cllr Jackie Meade (Lab and Ward Cllr). This was thanks to a binding 2006 decision by the Secretary of State for Planning. But, as we can all clearly see, that legal promise was treated more like a suggestion than an actual commitment. Who could have guessed that a decision made by the SoS for  Planning would be so easily swept aside? Shocking, really.

Cllr Meade also pointed out in her comments on July 27, 2020, that the viability report—a key document—was mysteriously unavailable to both the public and the planning committee. Coincidentally, just six weeks before the committee’s decision, Justice Dove ruled in R (Holborn Studios) v London Borough of Hackney (No 2) that such reports must be made available to all. Yet, the Council’s planning portal shows no trace of a viability report for Y18/1529/FH. Quelle surprise, indeed.

Adding to the irony, Cllr Jim Martin (Green), who sat on the planning committee at the time, voted against the development. This is the same development that boasts energy-efficient (EPC A) homes, air source heat pumps, and communal solar panels to provide low-cost electricity to tenants. Apparently, voting against green, sustainable, and biodiversity-improving projects is just how he rolls. Strange then, even stranger now, especially since he’s now the leader of FHDC and wants Otterpool to be a shining example of net-zero living. Consistency? Never heard of her.

Oh, and let’s not forget the Council originally agreed to 15 affordable homes, but only 14 have been delivered. Someone might want to check down the back of the sofa for that missing home.

Work on the site began in 2021 and has finally wrapped up. The project was approved under the last Tory-led administration, and the 14 properties were handed over recently to the new Green-led Council. So, while the Tories managed to deliver green, clean, and affordable homes, Cllr Jim Martin—now leader of FHDC—voted against them. Funny how things change when you’re in charge of pushing a net-zero agenda, isn’t it?

But hey, at least we’ve got 14 new homes to show for it. Only took seven years. Progress, right?

The Shepway Vox Team

Dissent is NOT a Crime