A FAIR WAY FOR MORE HOMES

Brighton & Hove Liberal Democrats have announced ambitious plans to provide 1,500 new homes on council-owned land currently occupied by Hollingbury Golf Course.

Local Lib Dem campaigner Beatrice Bass said: "A housing waiting list of 15,111 households and the complete failure of the council's 40% affordable homes policy led us to this radical solution. During our campaign, we've spoken to large numbers of people who are spending over half of their income on rent and many who have been living long-term in temporary accommodation. This is for them. Building homes on council-owned land for those on the waiting list is essential in solving the housing crisis."

This local solution to the housing crisis complements the party's national policies, in particular the affordable homes policy motion passed at the September 2018 conference. Across England and Wales, the Lib Dems pledge to build at least 50,000 new social homes for rent every year, as part of their long-standing commitment to build 300,000 homes a year over the next decade.

In the proposed development, the allotments and woodland of Hollingbury Park would be retained, and the new buildings would be eco-friendly, with the possibility of allotments and wildflower gardens to improve biodiversity. Recreational space would be included in the development with community consultation on preferred sport and leisure options. There are two municipal golf courses in the city, and in the 2015-16 season there were only 186 members at Hollingbury, with Waterhall Golf Course just three miles away.

Brighton & Hove Lib Dems want the proposed Hollingbury development to be community-led and are consulting residents on recreational and leisure space, integration with public transport and services, and the possibility of including space for community housing groups, including housing co-ops and self-build on part of the land. Click here to complete our online survey.