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Housing and communities dominated proceedings at the last meeting of Epping Forest District Council’s Cabinet before local elections are held in May.
Celebration of new homes
Housing Portfolio Holder Councillor Holly Whitbread was pleased to report back on groundbreaking ceremonies for 2 new council housing developments set to deliver 15 affordable new flats. Fitch House in Waltham Abbey is named after former Town Mayor Mick Fitch. Brokenshire Court in Buckhurst Hill is named after the Rt Hon James Brokenshire MP, who passed away in 2021. James was a local boy and also the son of Epping Forest District Council’s first Chief Executive in 1974, Peter Brokenshire.
Communities Portfolio Holder Councillor Smruti Patel reported on the latest Stay Well event which promote the health and wellbeing of local residents, while Councillor John Philip, Portfolio Holder responsible for Economic Development reminded councillors of the recent Meet the Buyer business event hosted at the Civic Offices in Epping.
Maintaining high quality homes
‘Awaab’s Law’ was introduced following the tragic death of 2-year old Awaab Ishak in Rochdale in 2022. Awaab died from a respiratory condition caused by mould in the one-bedroom flat where he lived with his parents. The failings that led to Awaab’s death have highlighted the importance of managing and preventing condensation, damp and mould in rented property.
Councillors voted to adopt a new policy to manage condensation, damp and mould effectively including landlord responsibilities to fix reported health hazards within prescribed timescales.
Maintaining and improving quality homes requires good information. Councillors also approved a new data-driven Housing Asset Management Strategy to improve and expand the council’s housing stock.
Trees
Cabinet adopted an updated tree strategy, setting out the management approach of trees owned by the district council, and under the stewardship of Essex County Council. The policy includes the promotion of responsible tree management and with clear guidance on responsibilities and expectations for residents within the district.
New homes
Maintaining the theme of homes for local residents, Cabinet endorsed the Latton Priory Design Code and the North Weald Bassett Masterplan.
Masterplans ensure the wider needs of communities are accounted for, including environmental benefits in North Weald Bassett and Latton Priory through a sustainable mix of homes, employment and infrastructure. Councillors were also keen to emphasise the importance of continued aviation and economic investment within the North Weald Airfield Masterplan.
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