Plans have been drawn up to build more smaller affordable homes across Lichfield and Burntwood.
Lichfield District Council leader Mike Wilcox confirmed that the Local Plan is aiming to tackle the issue.
His comments come on the back of a report by the local authority into new welfare reforms. The report said those people hit by a bedroom tax in the district should take in a lodger – a claim described as “appalling” by a Labour councillor.
The report also admitted that not enough social housing was available to cater for those who are set to lose out because of unoccupied bedrooms in their properties.
But Cllr Wilcox has said the local authority are drawing up plans to deal with the situation.
“When we receive an application for housing we to try to make sure that there is a suitable mix of properties, which includes one and two bedroom homes on the site, where appropriate,” he explained. “On large housing developments that will include a section 106 agreement, we negotiate with the developer to make sure there is also a suitable mix of smaller affordable homes.
“We have identified a need for smaller homes to be built across the district in our Local Plan, which is set to go before the Secretary of State soon. This Local Plan will inform the type of future developments that will be built locally.
“We hope it will have an impact on developers that will consider increasing the amount of smaller properties they build.”
As well as developing new smaller homes, the council is also keen to ensure current properties are being utilised correctly.
“Within our draft Housing Strategy, one of our aims is to make the best use of the housing stock,” Cllr Wilcox said. “It explains how we will work with housing associations to make the best use of their properties within the district, which will include reducing under occupation and making the best use of adapted homes.
“We also have a housing association development partnership that is aware of the shortage of suitable affordable homes, and will continue to identify all potential opportunities for developing new affordable homes in the future.”
