We are to continue our long-term programme of building new council homes after permission was granted for our latest development at St Columba’s Close, Gravesend
Last night’s (Wednesday’s) meeting of the council’s Planning Committee approved plans for the demolition of 26 council homes at St Patrick’s Gardens and St Columba’s Close, and their replacement with 46 new homes.
The new development will include a mix of new units, ranging from one-bedroom homes suitable for two people through to four-bedroom homes for up to six people.
Welcoming the decision, Cllr Jenny Wallace, Gravesham Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing Services, said: “These much-needed new council homes will be just the latest in our programme to build hundreds of such homes.
“They will be available for people on our housing register, where we currently have more than 1,000 households waiting for homes to become available, and for tenants living in unsuitable housing.
Permission for the St Columba’s Close plans comes as the first tenants are about to move into the latest development of 16 new council flats at Valley Drive in Gravesend, for households in need of new accommodation.
Cllr Wallace added: “We know we have so many local people patiently waiting for somewhere to call a home of their own.
“We are working as hard and as fast as we can to build new homes, and the fact we are being given permission for our next development just as our newest homes become available illustrates that perfectly.
“Of course, building works at St Columba’s will take some time, but I look forward to seeing the completed development and welcoming the new tenants as they move in, in the not too distant future.”