Sussex Councils Doubt Feasibility of New Housing Targets

Local authorities in Sussex have expressed that limited space and transportation infrastructure pose “major concerns,” leading them to have “no confidence” in their ability to meet the government’s recently introduced housebuilding goals. Documents acquired by the BBC via Freedom of Information legislation reveal that all councils within Sussex have voiced apprehensions regarding the updated objectives to construct over 14,000 new residences annually throughout the county. These newly mandated housing objectives represent a 24% rise in construction requirements across Sussex compared to earlier targets. The government asserts that its primary initiative, aiming to construct 1.5 million new homes in England within the coming five years, is essential for enhancing housing affordability. Worthing Borough Council is projected to experience the most significant increase, with a proposed new target of 862 new homes annually, marking a 168% surge. Officials in Adur, Worthing, Hastings, and Lewes uniformly state that their geographical limitations, specifically the sea to their south and the South Downs National Park and High Weald National Landscape to their north, severely restrict their development options. These authorities informed the government of conflicting demands for areas designated for employment, open spaces, and recreational activities, which are crucial for effective planning of sustainable communities. The feedback from Horsham District Council and Crawley Borough Council presented varied perspectives on the proposed plans; however, both councils indicated that assessing existing housing stock utilization and the “genuine housing need” within local vicinities would be more appropriate than “any arbitrary target.” Chichester would be required to locate suitable land for the construction of 1,200 new homes annually, representing a 59% increase. Adrian Moss, the Liberal Democrat leader of Chichester District Council, stated: “We want sustainable communities. “We want to build affordable housing for local people. So it is very important for us to deliver on our local plans. “However, we have a real issue with the infrastructure. That is to do with the A27, water treatment and the electrical supply, which is also causing an issue in our economic development.” He further remarked: “We are not the ultimate decision makers in terms of those builds, and the government does need to come to the party and support us with our work with Southern Water, with our work with the electrical companies to ensure that infrastructure gets delivered.” Addressing the councils’ apprehensions on the BBC’s Politics Live, Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary Angela Rayner affirmed the feasibility of the plans and declared she “makes no apologies” for implementing mandatory targets. Mrs. Rayner commented: “We are listening to them, and I think those councils will accept as well that this is a real emergency. “Many councils at the moment are spending huge amounts of money on temporary accommodation which is giving them a financial burden.” The government allocated an extra £500 million in funding for the Affordable Homes Programme during October’s budget announcement. For updates, follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story submissions can be sent to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk, external, or via WhatsApp at 08081 002250. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our policy on external linking is available.