I recently met the Housing Minister, Christopher Pincher MP, to convey concerns from local residents and councillors about housing numbers in Kent.
People have strong feelings when it comes to new housing.
I hear from people who say there is too much development, but I also hear from people finding it difficult to get on the housing ladder or even find somewhere to rent. We need to strike the balance.
There is a strong sense that Kent is being asked to take more than its fair share of new housing, and that new homes won’t necessarily benefit local people.
On top of this is the concern that extra homes will heap pressure on local services – increasing traffic and making it even harder to get a GP appointment.
In my meeting with the Minister, I highlighted the challenges both Maidstone and Swale Borough Councils are facing in meeting their housing needs as well as unhappiness from local residents at the scale of proposed development.
I’m determined to make sure that Ministers understand the challenges we face in Kent. People elected me to stand up for our community and that’s what I will do.
Of course we should welcome people moving to Kent, but housing in Kent also needs to benefit people in Kent.
