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SHERFORD'S NEW PLAN

KEITH ROSSITER POLITICAL REPORTER

06:50 - 20 April 2007

Sherford new town on the edge of Plymouth should be moved further from the A38 and hidden away in the valleys between Elburton, Plymstock, Plympton and Brixton, planners have been told.Plymouth and South West Co-operative Society has submitted an outline planning application and an environmental assessment to South Hams District Council for the so-called Sherford Refined proposal.

Thousands of new homes for Devon - Sherford! There are thousands of 2nd and 3rd homes in Devon owned for investment, many empty for months if not years. We live in a time of global warming, increased pollution and social disintigration and the government insist we build, build, build.

Many new homes are purchased by investors and speculators adding to the problem of low occupancy rates, a good example often mentioned is Salcolme. Add Brixham, Kingswear, Dartmouth etc etc.It has become fashionable to own more than one home a trend that will stay with us as property prices continue to increase.

Affordable housing schemes are to be applauded but as in one example in Brixham houses have been purchased under the scheme and quickly sold off at the market rate, the owner making a good quick profit. 

Legislation is required to stop multi home ownership, allowing for full occupancy, better communities and the retention of  our green environment. On the one hand we must reduce our carbon footprint whilst on the other we continue to pollute.

Short term economic policy with no thought for the future, ring any bells? 

Quote  ..... Affordable housing schemes are to be applauded but as in one example in Brixham houses have been purchased under the scheme and quickly sold off at the market rate, the owner making a good quick profit.

Obviously a local out to make a quick buck, which of course is only human nature as well as living in the greedy, grabbing, self interest society we live in.

This could be stopped by a say 30 year clause built into the home agreement that the house could only be sold for the same price paid and only to another local ??

Well said David. I agree with your comments but I think that the legal beavers would soon find a loop hole in any attempt to create a clause such as you suggest. The new PM has given the go ahead to build 3 million new homes over the next 13 years. How many of these will be second homes purchased for investment?

My answer is to build council houses! Simple solution but against the  current trend of earning a 'fast buck', as you say. 

New town gets the go ahead by planing inspaector. 

South Hams District Council will adopt the Sherford Area Action Plan at a full council meeting on 2 August.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/devon/6908605.stm