Campaigners for more affordable housing on Woodside failed to persuade Council members to rethink their plans at a recent meeting. Pleas for more public consultation over the options were ignored as residents were told the “Market Brief” – first shown at this meeting – had already gone to potential developers.
Manager David Shepherd and Councillor Chris Weldon were adamant that only 7% of the 283 homes planned for Woodside will be for rent, through Arches Housing.
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Requests for more information about ways to fund affordability were refused, along with the suggestion that money from the sale of the land could be used. Chris Weldon claimed they would consider any plan for more affordable housing if it stacked up financially – but the financial information was confidential.
Ben Morris, a campaigner for more council housing, said in two years the government is going to allow the council to build houses, and we should wait for this opportunity. But John Clark of New Deal told the meeting:
“I don’t think the majority of people agree with the campaign for council housing on Woodside. People want the opportunity to buy houses for £150,000.”
Councillor Chris Weldon said:
“Seven affordable homes is better than none. I don’t agree that we can wait until Sheffield Homes is able to build homes to rent. It’s a long way off and people want housing now.”