Quality, not quantity, the key for housing

Reporter: JANICE BARKER
Date online: 23 February 2010

SMALL is beautiful as far as new council housing developments are concerned, according to Oldham Council.

The authority has made providing new affordable homes a key priority — and says the past year saw the biggest number built in the borough since the 1970s.

In total, 207 new homes will have been built in 2009-10, with another 81 so far planned for 2010-11.

And the smaller developments are in contrast to the major housing schemes such as Sholver in the 1970s.

Councillor John McCann, cabinet member for community services and housing, said: “Balancing the mix of housing is a key corporate priority for the council as part of its commitment to making Oldham an address of choice.

“Increasing affordable housing is just one example of how the council is working with its partners to achieve this.

“The days of building large housing estates are long gone and we will not be repeating the mistakes of the past.

“What the council can and will do is ensure that there is a clear strategy in place so that the right type, size and quality of homes are built in areas where people want to live whether it is flats, sheltered accommodation or large family homes.”