Garage sites to be used for meeting housing need

North Kesteven District Council has identified that while some sites are oversubscribed, there are others which are difficult to let and would be better used for the development of quality, affordable accommodation to ease the District's housing waiting list.

Within a new lettings and management policy agreed by the Council's Executive Board, provision is made for disposal and demolition of garages where there is no demand, high costs of repair and development potential. Specific reference is made to 118 garages at eight sites, which are part of an estate of 512 garages spread across 41 sites district wide. In all cases there will be local consultation as part of the process.

Because of high demand for garages in Sleaford and North Hykeham rents will increase in the two towns by 25% more than the 5% incremental increase brought in elsewhere over three years starting next April.

The new rates will still be closer to those charged by private operators and housing tenants will receive preferential rates over non-tenants.

Corporate director Karen Bradford said the review would ensure the right level of provision in the right areas to meet the demand for garage storage whilst releasing valuable land assets for the broader benefits of increased housing provision.

"Is it more important that we have somewhere for people to live, or for them to have somewhere to put their car or store the items they would otherwise have in their home" she said.

Cllr Stewart Ogden, who has Executive oversight of housing, said: "Running alongside other policies promoting driveways for tenants, this is an excellent opportunity to make better use of the land taken up by under-used garages at a time of significant housing need."