Why not use Forestry land for affordable housing?

Release/Rhyddhau: 23/05/06

Contact/Cyswllt: Ceirion Rees:
029 2089 8342/ 07733280105/ ceirion.rees@wales.gov.uk 

Montgomeryshire AM, Mick Bates, has called on the Labour Assembly Government to explore the option of freeing up Forestry Commission land to build affordable housing.

Speaking at the National Assembly earlier today, Mick said:

“The Assembly Government doesn’t just own buildings – it owns land. In fact it owns 38% of the Welsh woodlands.

“The affordable housing crisis in Mid Wales has hit crisis point.  House prices have risen by more than 157% in the last 6 years.  At the same time average household earnings have remained at just £23,000.

“I’m not saying we should that build housing on all the Forestry Commission land, but we must examine the possibility of freeing some of it up to help young people buy their own homes.

“We must explore the option of using Community Land Trusts to achieve this aim.  The future of our rural Wales relies on young people being able to afford homes in the communities they grew up in.  We must look at all avenues to make the dream of an affordable home a reality.”