Objections to affordable housing, Teesdale Mercury

RESIDENTS have objected to affordable housing being built in their picturesque village – because they say if people want to live there, they must work hard to earn the cash. 

Two companies have proposed building affordable housing in Whorlton, which has about 60 houses and was named the county’s second best village last year.

But residents are worried about the type of people that will occupy the homes.

Others have complained that they have spent years working to afford to live in the exclusive village – but people who would occupy the new homes will have it “handed to them a plate”.

Whorlton and Westwick Parish Council chairman Cllr Mark Tully said: “How do you get to have a say on where you live? The reason I live here is because I have worked hard to earn the money to buy a house.”

Another resident, who asked not to be named, added: “I do not understand why people should be given it on a plate while others have worked hard to live here.”

Other people echoed their views when Teesdale and West Durham Community Interest Company held a presentation in Whorlton’s village hall last week.

The company was set up by Teesdale District Council to provide affordable housing in the district.

Mark Robson, a director of the company, said that a housing needs survey last year showed that affordable housing was needed in the parish of Whorlton and Westwick.

He proposed building between six and ten homes in the village over the next five years – and that greenfield sites could be developed.

Most would be rented, for about £85 a week, or be part of a shared ownership scheme.

But Mr Robson promised not to “bring in single mothers from Middlesbrough who take drugs”.

Mr Robson added: “Whorlton is an extremely sought-after village – and building cheap houses and occupy them with people who have nothing to do with the village is not the right thing to do.

“But we have got to weigh up what is the greater good – there are people in need and we have to find them a place to live.”

Residents voiced their concerns after the presentation.

David Peat said: “If we are railroaded by the Government into having this development, would you choose single mothers from outside the area with lots of partners? Would you choose somebody like that to live in a place like this?”

But he was told people from Whorlton would be considered first, although if insufficient people wanted to live in the homes, other Teesdale areas would be considered – but not people from outside the district.

However, one villager claimed the company would want to bring in people from outside the area to fill the properties so it could make the development pay. 

Many residents said the homes were not needed while others said the sewage system would need a massive upgrade.

“Building on greenfield sites goes against Government policy – do you not feet guilty about taking away agricultural land?” asked one person.

Residents also said affordable housing should be built in areas with better access to public transport and shops.

“I’m not keen on having eight houses right on the village green,” added Barbara McEwan.

Teesdale Housing, along with Endeavour, had held a similar presentation to villagers recently.

“I find it very strange that in six weeks, we have had two presentations for affordable housing out of the blue. I think there’s something deeper going on,” said one villager.

The parish council will now send a survey out to residents to find out if there is a need for affordable housing.

If there is a need, the company will consider possible sites for the development, which would be funded by the Government.