I
am so delighted to say that we now have our first Local Connection Housing Scheme for Waterbeach after agreement was reached on the Park Crescent MoD Houses.
Pictured with local activist Sarah Smart and Parliamentary Candidate Lucy Frazer QC.
This process was started last year when I led efforts with the MoD, local MP’s office and SCDC about these empty properties. Many months of delicate negotiations have led to the MoD and SCDC arm’s length housing company agreeing a 5 year lease deal.
It has involved a lot of behind the scenes work since last year. So it is great to see that it has come to fruition.
We have a very real need for local connection housing and this is a real step in the right direction. It will also help our local economy and boost the ‘Shop Local’ campaign that I founded. Already I have spoken to many of the new tenants and am really pleased to be welcoming many of them back into our community.
Most of the 27 former empty MoD houses in Park Crescent in Waterbeach are now occupied.
Councillor Mark Howell, Housing Portfolio Holder at South Cambs District Council said, “I can only commend Councillor James Hockney for all the hard word he has done to put to make sure this happens. He started the whole process and has been actively involved ever since. The residents moving into the properties owe him a debt of thanks”.
