By Rufus Pickles - Local Democracy Reporter
Isle of Wight councillors have agreed to prioritise council-owned land for social rent and relocatable housing, instead of selling it for other uses.
The motion, introduced by Freshwater North & Yarmouth representative, Cllr Peter Spink, at last week’s Full Council meeting, requires ‘any land assets’ considered for disposal to be assessed for their potential to support affordable housing.
Cllr Spink said: “A vote against this motion will be a vote to continue the well-trodden system of relying on private developers and the major benefit will go to private developers.”
The proposal, amended by Cllr Geoff Brodie, gained support from 24 councillors, while eight opposed it and one abstained.
Cabinet member, Debbie Andre, questioned how funding for council-led developments would be sourced, noting there was no budget allocated for it. Cllr Spink clarified the motion would simply introduce a policy of prioritising assessments, acknowledging the need for a thorough review before any land is sold.
The Island faces growing concerns over affordable housing. According to County Hall data, the percentage of new homes deemed ‘affordable’ has dropped significantly, from 28 per cent in 2020/21 to just 7.3 per cent in 2023/24. Social rent housing, defined by
Shelter as ‘genuinely affordable’, with rents tied to local incomes, is seen as vital to supporting low-income residents.
Isle of Wight Observer