Supplementary memorandum by David R J
Penney (EMP 28(a))
WATERSIDE COMMUNITY NETWORK
KEY HOUSING
AND ENVIRONMENTAL
ISSUES IN
WATERSIDE, COLNE
ADF, BOROUGH OF
PENDLE, EAST
LANCASHIRE HMR PATHFINDER
1.1 The overall Objective should be to support
"Sustainable Communities", which is Government Policy,
by applying and linking Social, Economic and Environmental criteria—the
SEE Principles of "Sustainable Development".
1.2 Regeneration/Renewal/Restoration of
existing terraced properties should be the first priority, not
Restructuring/ Reconstruction/Remodeling through Demolition—not
new housing developments around the perimeters of Waterside [ie
Gib Hill/Knotts Lane area] nor in-fill with new houses in terraced
streets, which would detract from the character of the area. This
approach reflects the Housing Policies in the Joint Lancashire
Structure Plan.
1.3 People want to live in terraced housing—there
is sufficient demand, particularly among first time buyers.
1.4 The level of empty/void properties is
lower than other deprived areas/wards in the North West and East
Lancashire. Out of 540 properties surveyed in Waterside, in August
2003, between the Cemetery and Colne Lane, only 12 were empty,
with some "For Sale" and some "To Let" and
the rest empty—since then at least four have been sold.
House prices are rising due to demand.
1.5 The quality of the stone built terraced
housing is good compared with similar properties in Nelson and
Burnley—they are built to last and are worth conserving
under the "Built Heritage Strategy" for Colne.
1.6 The Natural Environment in Waterside
is attractive—close to the countryside, river, open/green
spaces, as well as close to the town centre of Colne.
1.7 Environmental enhancements should be
included in the Area Development Framework, three Year Investment
Plan and 15 Year Elevate Strategy for Waterside, such as Block
Improvements; Home Zones; landscaping and more play/green areas.
These enhancements should also include Community Facilities/Services,
particularly in the Tum Hill/Knotts Lane area, south of the river.
Problem Industrial Sites, especially in the Knotts Lane area,
should be enhanced.
1.8 Social needs/problems should be addressed
as an integral part of the Elevate Plan/Strategy. For instance,
there is an increasing number of private landlords and tenants
on housing benefit, including those who do not work due to physical/mental
health problems or dependency on drugs/alcohol. These poverty
and health issues have also led to an increase in other social
problems, such as anti-social behaviour. This situation should
be resolved by making Landlords more accountable through the East
Lancashire Accreditation Network (ELAN) and by ensuring that anti
social tenants are more accountable through the Criminal Justice
System. Elevate should tackle social needs/problems in conjunction
with improvements to properties—people create "Sustainable
Communities", not just properties.
1.9 Financial support should be given to
1st Time Buyers by introducing a Rental/Purchase Scheme, through
an Elevate Housing Fund; and, by setting up a Housing Co-operative
to renovate empty properties.
1.10 An Elevate Repair/Maintenance/Improvement
Fund for house-owners should be established with grants and/or
low interest loans, as well as providing a List of accredited
builders and craftsmen.
David Penney
Vice Chair/Secretary
Waterside Community Network
1 December 2003
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