COUNCIL INVITES VIEWS ON HOUSING STRATEGY

Thanet District Council has published its draft Housing Strategy 2012-2016 and is asking local people and stakeholders to give their views as part of the consultation process. Five strategic priorities have been indentified by the council in the draft strategy, and these are:  Deliver a range of homes to meet the local housing need which residents can afford Make better use of existing housing stock across all tenures and improve housing conditions Enable vulnerable people to access good quality housing and to live independently Provide an accessible housing options service for Thanet residents Deliver housing in support of the council's regeneration and economic development objectives. The council is keen to hear the views of local residents, partner organisations and stakeholders and is launching a six-week consultation period which will run from Monday 22 October 2012 until Monday 3 December 2012. Anyone wishing to receive or access a copy of the draft strategy can download a copy on the council’s website www.thanet.gov.uk/housing/strategic_housing.aspx or collect a hard copy from the Thanet Gateway Plus in Margate. Hard copies can also be requested by telephone or email. To take part in the consultation, comments can be submitted using the online form, by email or letter.  Thanet District Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning, Cllr David Green, said: “The availability and quality of housing have an enormous impact on people’s lives, and that’s why it’s a priority for the administration at Thanet Council that we put together the right strategy to serve residents’ needs. “By identifying key priorities, for social housing, and for private rented and owner occupied housing, we’re confident that the council can make effective decisions that empower local residents and make a positive difference to their quality of life. I urge local people to look at the draft and give their views. This is a real chance for residents to make a real difference and shape the final strategy.” The draft strategy can be downloaded by visiting the housing section of the council’s website. A PDF downloadable version is also available. Hard copies can be collected from the Thanet Gateway Plus, Cecil Street, Margate. They can also be requested by calling the Strategic Housing Officer, Ashley Stacey on 01843 722280 or emailing her at ashley.stacey@thanet.gov.uk.  All comments should be submitted using the online form, emailed to Ashley or posted to her at Thanet District Council, PO Box 9, Cecil Street, Margate, Kent, CT9 1XZ. The final version of the strategy will be published in the new year.