South Cambridgeshire, in many ways, has been a victim of its own success. While our local economy has thrived in recent years, not everyone has been able to share in this success.  Soaring house prices have restricted access to the housing market for those on lower incomes. In a district where a two-bedroom house can often cost in the region of £500k, many people cannot enter the market at all or are forced to move elsewhere as their family grows. This has had a particular impact on those starting out and trying to take their first steps on the property ladder, which has led to a vacuum of younger families in many villages and communities feeling as if they are dying out.

This is why the Conservatives know it is vital to promote affordable housing policies. Since the change of administration we have seen Waterbeach New Town developers obtain planning permission with only a 30% requirement for affordable housing. This serves as a reminder of how hard we Conservatives need to push to ensure that the 40% policy we introduced is enforced.

Rural Exception Sites offer another way to secure more affordable housing, with many providing 100% affordable housing. These are small sites developed to build affordable homes for those on lower incomes currently resident in the locality or with an existing family or employment connection to the area.

We know how important it is to people to have a safe and comfortable home they can call their own. Your local Conservative councillors will push to ensure that the district’s future local plans deliver high quality affordable housing for our residents and encourage vibrant intergenerational communities in our local towns and villages.