Parish Council seeks residents to join development Steering Group
Residents in and around Soulton Road, Wem are being given the chance to influence the building of new affordable homes in their area. Wem Rural Parish Council is seeking residents to join the Steering Group for the Community-Led Housing Project in Soulton Road, Wem.
Social landlord Severnside Housing is hoping to build 22 affordable homes on the site adjacent to Ash Grove and opposite Church Lane.
Chair of Wem Rural Parish Council, Cllr Peter Broomhall said “Severnside were well into developing their plans for the site when Shropshire Council launched an initiative called Community-Led Housing. Severnside approached the Parish Council to join them in the initiative which gives local people a say in all aspects of the development including design and lettings plans and policies both now and in the future. This is a unique opportunity to influence a new housing scheme which until now Parish Councils and their communities have not been allowed to do. The Parish Council has agreed to set up a Steering Group to progress the project under the initiative”
Vice Chair of the Parish Council and Chair of the Steering Group, Cllr Tim Wilton-Morgan said “There are timescales associated with Shropshire Council’s initiative and one of the first tasks of the Steering Group is to assess the need for affordable homes. The Parish Council is also aware of the concerns raised by local residents to the proposed Severnside development and the Steering Group, together with help from the Parish Council, will be reviewing them. The Steering Group will be made up of representatives from the Parish Council, Shropshire Council, Severnside Housing and local residents. We are looking for 2 residents from the local area to be part of this pioneering initiative and represent the local community’s views. The deadline for residents to put their names forward is Wednesday 20 February.”