Creating safe, equitable places to live and work which support local prosperity and international fair trade
Where do we need to be?
There is affordable housing available in Bruton for those who live and work here, the housing is of good quality, and fit for a changing climate.
Jobs are available locally and businesses thrive here.
Where are we now?
The developments that are in the pipeline are driven by the developers’ need to make a profit rather than what the town needs: the proposals are for medium-sized peripheral estates with poor walking links to the town. The housing meets rather than exceeds current building performance standards, and much of it will be offered at a price or rent that excludes most of the local population.
The rental market is tight, and, in the town centre, adversely affected by a significant proportion of holiday rentals.
What do we need to do?
Planning policies need to change to:
- Scrutinise the environmental credentials of developers in order that all new buildings are constructed to market-leading energy performance standards.
- Limit the loss of rental accommodation to holiday rentals.
- Ensure that new developments meet or exceed the requirements for delivery of affordable housing.
Work with businesses, landowners and others to deliver truly affordable good quality rental accommodation, via a community land trust or other similar means.
