Council Leader Dave Thomas: Housing for all is a key priority

Last week, together with some members of the Cabinet and cross-party Ward Councillors, we took part in a tour of a couple of our housing projects, which will be available to local people this year.
Everyone needs somewhere to live and while the cost of living crisis is making things even more difficult, compounded by a Council area that has traditionally had a low number of social homes, our demographics indicate that, as well as the need for general accommodation, we also have housing requirements for adults over the age of 65, people with learning disabilities and autism together with young people leaving care and people with enduring mental health.
Clearly, an area that has plenty of need, and an area we are committed to do whatever we can, either delivering projects alone or working with the many partners in this field.
The first project we visited was the housing building scheme at Tweenaway Cross. The nine units of accommodation replaces the semi-detached properties that once stood vacant on the corner for several years following their use by the highway’s contractor, who was part of the road widening scheme at Tweenaway.
Completion at this stie is expected by September and it will consist of eight two-bed flats and a wheelchair adapted flat. All of these units will be pre-allocated and the demand for these units has already been huge, with over 140 households applying for just one of the units. This really does show the demand for properties like this. Whilst on the site, we were able to look at the almost completed units, with a few snagging works to do, plus the rear car park and some front gardens, left to build out.
It was time to move on to Brixham, where we visited St. Kildas. I am sure many of you will remember the site as a former 36-bed residential home, which was handed back to the Council from Torbay Care Trust at the end of July 2017.
The Council made a decision that the land could be built on to provide affordable homes for local people. It was also agreed that these homes would be prioritised for local households who are downsizing. This, in turn, will free up more other affordable homes for families in the Brixham area. Planning consent is now in place to deliver 23 flats - 14 one-bed flats and nine two-bed flats. A Homes England bid is pending and, subject to the final budget being agreed, construction will start on this site towards the end of this year.
I really look forward to seeing both these projects completed and providing safe and secure homes for those who live in the Bay.
Moving on to how we can keep the area in and around Torquay Town Centre safe, I wanted to let you know about a Safer Streets Community Fund that local community groups, registered charities, social enterprises and other organisations can bid for.
This fund will award small grants of between £500 and £6,000 to support ideas on how to help prevent crime and keep the area in and around Torquay town centre safe and will have a positive impact. These projects are to help people feel safe, with a greater sense of belonging and involvement in their neighbourhood.
The focus is on reclaiming public spaces through engagement and physical improvements to empower local people to take some ownership and drive change in their community.
Projects could include:
· enhancing or improving public spaces, including green and open spaces, seating areas etc.
· making redundant or underused local buildings and spaces used and loved
· landscaping or public art in neglected areas
· creative art, signs, or window displays
· hosting a tour, walk or discovery trail to create greater engagement in an area
· area takeovers with positive activity involving the community
This Safer Streets Community Fund is now open and will receive applications up to Tuesday, August 8. The Torbay Community Development Trust is overseeing the applications and you can apply through their website www.torbaycommunities.com
If you are a local community group in the area of Torquay Town Centre, I really do urge you to submit an application for this.