Housing in Hastings, hmmm...

A wander out, quite nice weather, and at Sea Road, by Grosvenor Gardens, I noticed 5 caravans docked without number plates on them (that first one on the right had a wee cat looking out at me as I took the photograph!). Now, we know that mobile caravans do park overnight in such places, but these 5 non-motorised caravans have been docked here for ages! Is this a new way of solving the housing crisis? Apparently no council tax or rent required, sadly I do still have to pay my council tax and rent!

While talking about housing problems... these flats in Undercliffe, below West Ascent, St Leonards, have still not been built! Despite approval being given in 1966, work starting in 1972, then the dodgy underpinning that meant gardens behind slipped and work had to cease, then the builders went bankrupt, I was told. That's 52 years since approval, and they look like they'll not be built in the next 52 years either! 

No wonder there's a housing shortage...

New Housing Policy?

Down by Pelham Beach, opposite the Albion pub, with Hastings & St Leonards Sea Angling Association behind, and just to the east of the Crazy Golf courses, first one new shelter was built, quickly followed by another two, and some nice raised flower beds.

Since, I have seen up to three individuals sleeping rough here at any one time, in a combination of one or two of the shelters, but now...

Someone appears to have set up home in the middle shelter, the belongings are always there, whatever time, and, despite winds coming from the west recently, the hardy occupant sleeps there every night. Is this an example of affordable housing?

I doubt it helps the chippy opposite though...

West Hill Houses

I never did find out much about the houses that were planned to be built opposite the Castle up on the West Hill, see my blog of 9th December 2014, but!

Now they appear to be close to completion... amazed me!

Holiday Homes for Premium Rate Council Tax?

If you're trying to figure out where these houses are, don't bother, they're not in Hastings (I didn't want to upset anyone by implying their home is a holiday, or second, home). But, to the point, Hastings Borough Council Leader, Peter Chowney, has suggested to BBC Sunday Politics that greater powers may be sought so that a Council Tax 'Premium' may be imposed on house owners who spend little time in their second/holiday homes in Hastings; hence denying local residents from local accommodation, and also, pushing prices up much higher in specific areas of Hastings.  

Go to the BBC website for more information.

Room for more Affordable Housing?

With all the recently trumpeted concern over DfLs, surely someone could find the money for this, as there certainly is room in West Street for affordable housing for locals...

Housing opposite Hastings Castle?

Walking over the West Hill yesterday, passing the Castle, and to my left was this:

Now, I've been walking past this for years, it seems, still 2 of the lots not purchased, apparently, so what is going on, because it says the others have all been purchased? I haven't gone into this too much, but, if people have already paid out money to get involved with this project based on 'self-build' housing, does this mean they cannot start building until the last 2 plot have been purchased, I presume so? Any information would be welcomed, but I shall start looking into this myself, methinks... 

Anyway,another beautiful day, and my main purpose was to walk over to the Old Town, so met with this familiar, but always excellent, view, how I love living in Hastings!