Alternative Sites for Social Housing
The first and most logical site for social housing in Pensford has to be what is currently the site for the community allotments. I am told that last time a proposal was made for a social house development on this site it was initially supported by the parish council, but they did a U-turn and it was dropped.
Yesterday (23rd February 2013) I visited the allotments to see for myself how much they were being used and took some photographs (see below) Whilst it is clear that some of the plots are being used it is also obvious that a substantial number are not.
Those growing their own food are clearly believers in sustainable use of resources and so could be repositioned somewhere else in the village without the need to destroy precious green belt land.
This site ticks so many boxes for social housing development.
• It has safe access to the village school and also the Chew Valley School coach pick up and drop off point.
• It has easy and safe access to the bus stops.
• It is a safe walk to the village shop and Post Office.
• The village already owns the land.
• It is close to both village pubs.
• Being in the heart of the village those familes living there will feel included in the village social life.