Yarlington wants to build community spirit at Lufton

YARLINGTON Housing Group has tried to allay fears among some councillors who are concerned that too much affordable housing being built in one go will lead to anti-social behaviour problems on a massive planned development on the outskirts of Yeovil.

Councillors have warned that putting too many “social housing” units together at the Lufton key site, close to the existing Abbey Manor estate, will actually cause social problems.

But Yarlington, who will act as landlord of the affordable homes, has told the Yeovil Press today (Friday, October 4, 2013) that they will work closely with tenants to make sure a good community neighbourhood spirit is built.

Abbotsale Homes and the Royal Mencap Pension Fund got the backing this week of South Somerset District Council’s Area South committee to amend its plans for the major Lufton development.

The proposals include the building of a neighbourhood centre and associated roads to serve nearly 700 new homes – a proportion of which will be affordable housing.

It was previously agreed that the Yeovil-based Yarlington Housing Group would kick-off the development by building 29 affordable housing units.

But councillors agreed to proposals on Wednesday to increase that number to 59 – despite concerns among some that that could be lead to anti-social behaviour issue problems among tenants.

Cllr Tony Lock warned: “Clustering of this nature is going to cause problems. I’m sorry to say that, but I have experience of this at first hand.”

Cllr Pauline Lock added that she too was concerned and that “clustering” at another development in Yeovil had “not worked.”

Yarlington has said that 50 per cent of the homes it has acquired at the Lufton site will be for general needs rent and the remaining properties will be handled on a part buy/part rent basis known as shared ownership.

And a spokesman said: “Acquiring the additional homes enables us to offer the opportunity of shared ownership to the local community.

“This gives local people the chance to get on the housing ladder by providing homes that they can afford.

“Our lettings manager and community co-ordinators have already been in close discussion with Brympton parish councillors about the homes on the site and answering any questions.”

The Yarlington spokesman added: “Our mission is “building communities” and all our staff work closely and effectively with our residents to achieve this.”

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