Published at 06:12, Friday, 26 February 2010

YOUR anonymous correspondent voices concern about the planning application for affordable housing in Allendale (Courant Letters, February 5)

There are hardly any young people who are originally from Allendale who can actually afford to live there. Hence the reason why my husband and I have been living in Haydon Bridge for nearly four years; not through choice but due to the property being unaffordable for first-time buyers.

As much as we enjoy living in Haydon Bridge, we would prefer to live in Allendale for family reasons if prices would allow.

We were interested in the Oaklands development which was proposed for first-time buyers who were originally from the Allendale area but the application was rejected by the local council. Based on this application being rejected surely it is better to apply for 67 affordable housing and have some rejected rather than ask for a lower number like Oaklands did and have them all rejected.

At least some housing firms are trying to do something about the lack of housing for young people.

The council meeting which discussed the new housing developments (Deneholme, Fostersteads, Shilburn) where a significant group of residents from Allendale were against the plans is understandable if they have moved into the village to buy a retirement or holiday house.

But I wonder if their attitude would be different if they had relatives who were looking for their first property within Allendale and could not afford the prices within the village?

Surely it would better to have a younger community living within the Allendale area who work and commute away from Allendale rather than people who are living in retirement homes or who have holiday homes which are not occupied for the full year.

Unless something is done to help the young people of Allendale the village will end up becoming an older population.

Allendale should be encouraging young couples and young families to settle within this area.

MRS K. FORSYTH,

Haydon Bridge

Published by http://www.hexhamcourant.co.uk