North School Farm proposal for new homes "makes no sense" with so many empty properties

6.15.00pm GMT Thu 21st Jan 2010

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Figures released by the government's Communities and Local Government Department have revealed that as of October 2008 Ashford Borough contained more than 1000 empty dwellings.

The figures have prompted the Liberal Democrats to argue that new build proposals on land classified as 'vacant,' such as the North School Farm, "simply make no sense."

"Nationally there are over 650,000 empty properties across England, no longer used as homes that can be brought back into use with some investment. In Ashford alone the figure is 1160 empty dwellings" commented Ashford Lib Dem parliamentary candidate, Chris Took.

"The average cost of bringing these homes back into use is about £10,000 whilst the cost of a new build is closer to £100,000."

The Liberal Democrats have proposed a national policy whereby people who own these homes will get a grant or a cheap loan to renovate them.

To support the Kentish Express' 'Fight For The Farm' go to http://www.kentonline.co.uk/kentish_express/news/2010/january/20/fight_for_the_farm.aspx

You can also join the Facebook Group by typing 'Save The North School Farm' into the Facebook search area.