THE Leader of Redditch Borough Council has revealed ambitious plans to tackle the town’s housing shortage.
Councillor Dormer (Con, West) said the authority is to launch a review of all council-owned land with a view to increasing the authority’s housing stock.
“We have a fantastic housing stock here and we would like to build more of our own,” he said.
“We will also be trying to encourage people who would like help to build their own house – for example on a site we could have five council houses and five self builds.
“We want to help people be aspirational and help them get on the housing ladder and own their own home.”
He added there were too many void or derelict homes in the borough which should be brought up to scratch and offered to residents.
There would also be opportunities for contractors to bid for the work.
“We will hold a roadshow and encourage all the contractors, big and small, who want to work with the council to be there. Everything will be clear and above board,” he said.
Coun Dormer added that the borough’s new councillors had between them a range of skills that would ensure not only best value but help push the town’s ambitions.
“Long term I’d like to see us develop the train station, I’d like to see trains every 15 minutes and a second line too,” he said.
“These are the things we will be pushing forward but the biggest thing is the town centre.
“We said we wanted to unlock Redditch and that is what we intend to deliver, even though it may take some time.”
He said a public consultation on the town centre would be launched within two months so people could express their views on the new administration’s plans and add their own thoughts and ideas.
“I want what is best for this town and if that means politically going against the grain then that is what I will do,” said Coun Dormer.
