Scrap the Regional Spatial Strategy and let communities decide where they want housing - says Farron

4.25.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 11th May 2009

South Lakes MP Tim used his speech today to the Mitre Housing Association to call on the Government to scrap the Regional Spatial Strategy and allow local communities to make their own decisions about where housing should be situated.

During the speech which was delivered at the Association's AGM at Rydal Hall, Mr Farron expressed his concern about how South Lakeland's attempts to create more affordable homes for local people are being hampered by central Government diktat through their Regional Spatial Strategy which forces Councils to identify ridiculously large amounts of green land for development.

Commenting Mr Farron said:

"The current system is just another example of a top down government policy that inflicts ridiculous targets on local councils and then leaves them to make the really tough decisions. South Lakeland council is to be commended for having stood up to the Government and for having consulted the local community

"The spatial strategy should be scrapped and work should instead begin within local communities to find the best ways to support small developments of social and affordable housing. These developments should be integrated into our communities and we must ensure that these homes are affordable for local people."

Mitre is a church based housing association providing affordable homes for local people. Tim Farron gave strong backing to Mitre's new affordable housing schemes being built in Coniston and Satterthwaite.