The Parks

12.11.02pm GMT Mon 25th Aug 2008

The Parks

Taylor Wimpey's plans at The Parks (Standard, 7 August) to build more affordable homes is a direct consequence of the Conservative-controlled Council's abject failure to deal adequately with the burgeoning housing crisis in the Borough in recent years.

The Council has presided over an annual shortfall of over 500 affordable homes in the Borough and thousands are still waiting on the housing waiting list, despite the much trumpeted and highly controversial transfer of the Council's housing stock to a new and, as yet, largely unproven housing association. In the circumstances it is not surprising perhaps that Taylor Wimpey have sought to derive greater benefit from the site.

The Conservatives have consistently taken a very narrow view of this development and their resistance to more homes therefore is not entirely unexpected. Regretttably, the situation has not been helped by the criticisms and divisions which have emerged over the design and layout of the site, including the proposal to move the six-storey block of flats from its original position. Nevertheless any such changes must be fully in keeping with the original aims of the project.

Liberal Democrats would allow local authorities to build more houses and keep all the proceeds from right to buy sales for reinvestment in new council housing. We would also end the negative subsidy system whereby rents are taken away from local authorities such as Bracknell Forest.

Incredibly, the Labour Government is opposed to local authorities building houses and until this policy is reversed developers such as Taylor Wimpey will continue to determine primarily just where and how many new affordable homes are built.

Ray Earwicker

Parliamentary Spokesperson

Bracknell Liberal Democrats