Dear Editor

Re: Examination in Public - East of England Plans for Housing

12/12/05

Government Inspectors are now conducting an examination in public which is looking at the East of England Plan - the document which will decide how many homes get built in the region over the next 20 years. Startling figures show that 85% of people in the East of England believe that future generations will find it more difficult to afford their own home. Statistics show that average house prices in the region are now almost eight times the average income.

The East of England has a thriving economy. This is contributing to rises in house prices and more people are approaching local authorities for assistance with their housing. However the amount of affordable housing is not keeping pace with demand.

The East of England plan aims to address this affordable housing crisis in the region, and to support communities through economic and housing growth. This key aim will be supported by housing associations including Chelmer Housing Partnership who are committed to meeting the need for affordable housing whilst supporting the long term sustainability of communities in which we work. We are working to ensure that development should take place on brown field sites wherever possible (60% in the plan), and we would like to point out that all the proposed housing in the plan will only take a fraction of the land available in the region.

The plan recognises there is a dire shortage of affordable housing in Essex which means local people continue to live in our communities in temporary, overcrowded or sub-standard housing conditions.

CHP and its partner, Flagship Housing Group, signed up to 'iN business for neighbourhoods' which recognises that just building homes is not enough. We are working to build communities with a decent mix of housing where jobs, schools, transport and other facilities are available. The East of England Plan is the region's opportunity to make sure that people can benefit from good quality communities by ensuring an increased supply of good quality affordable housing.

Anyone wishing to contribute to the public examination should go to www.eera.gov.uk. For more information from CHP, please contact David Cotterill, New Business Director or Carl Hockey, Business Development Manager, on 01245 613000.

Yours sincerely

Stuart Stackhouse

Chief Executive

Chelmer Housing Partnership

Direct Line No: 01245 613029