Cheap housing ‘worthwhile’

By Bridget Brady
THE president of a residents’ group says a proposal to build 48 units of affordable housing in Lynbrook appears to be a worthwhile project.
But residents were a bit “miffed” they were not given much of a say about the development, Lynbrook Residents Association president Jason Wood said.
Community Housing Limited has a planning application with the State Government to build the units on the south side of Lynbrook Village on Harris Street and Cilento Crescent.
The development would include apartments and double and triple storey town houses. Community Housing Limited managing director Steve Bevington said the units would offer long-term rental accommodation for people who could not afford private rentals, or for those who found home ownership a “distant dream”.
Some residents were sent a letter late last week, and an information session was held on Tuesday night to discuss the proposal.
Mr Wood said residents were given the impression the project was almost a done deal, but most residents believed it sounded like a worthwhile initiative.
“The general consensus is if what they deliver is what they say then obviously there is a need for that sort of thing in Casey,” Mr Wood said.
Some were concerned about the type of residents who would be attracted by the development, but these fears were allayed at the meeting, Mr Wood said.
“I think most people were supportive of it.”
Mr Bevington said there was a critical shortage of affordable housing across Casey.
“This site provides a fantastic opportunity for Community Housing Limited to develop high quality affordable housing to help ease this housing shortage for the people of Casey,” Mr Bevington said.
Mayfield Ward councillor Amanda Stapledon it was important the Lynbrook community remained engaged and kept informed of the progress of the development.
The planning application has been submitted to the Department of Planning and Community Development for approvals.