Genuinely-affordable homes in Chelmsford from Lib Dem-led City Council

A plan has been announced that will deliver additional units of genuinely-affordable homes in Chelmsford, by the Lib Dem-led City Council. A draft Housing Strategy is now out for consultation, as part of the Liberal Democrat ambition to deliver a fairer Chelmsford.

The draft Housing Strategy 2021-2026 seeks to address the gaps, where the "Chelmsford Local Plan 2020-2036" will not deliver enough, genuinely-affordable homes, to address the housing crisis in Chelmsford. This Housing Strategy is about what the City Council will deliver working with partners. In particular,

• Increasing the supply of affordable homes, especially larger units
• Achieving a better balance of housing types
• Support for landlord and tenants in the private rented sector
• Enable the right supply of specialist and supported accommodation
• Reduce energy consumption
• Monitoring and working with partners

Councillor Stephen Robinson, Leader of Chelmsford City Council, said, "The market is failing to deliver the genuinely-affordable homes that Chelmsford residents need, particularly younger people and families. The City Council will have to actively intervene to address this. We need your input to help us understand the needs, challenges and opportunities that we must deal with between now and 2026. The more people who comment with different backgrounds and experiences, the better. We know there is a shortage of housing, particularly genuinely affordable homes, but housing is a complex issue and our residents and partners may be able to highlight issues and opportunities that make this strategy more effective."

The consultation began at 10am on Wednesday 14 July and will end at 4pm on Wednesday 15th September. You can read and comment on the document on the council's consultation portal, or you can visit http://www.chelmsford.gov.uk/housing-strategy

Comments can also be emailed to planning.policy@chelmsford.gov.uk. If you know someone who doesn't have internet access, please let them know that they can also send comments by post or drop them in by hand to:

Planning Policy Team, Spatial Planning Services
Chelmsford Civic Centre
Duke Street
Chelmsford
CM1 1JE