![Luke wearing a hard hat and hi-vis on a building site](/sites/www.lukeallanholmes.com/files/styles/gallery_large/public/2024-05/WhatsApp%20Image%202024-05-27%20at%2012.30.02_9008c133.jpg?itok=4YU1vGN6)
Luke's Housebuilding Plan: Sustainable Growth and Community Support
Luke advocates for sustainable housebuilding on brownfield sites, prioritising the need for more homes while ensuring sensitivity to local communities and environmental concerns. Here's his plan:
- Brownfield Site Development: Luke supports the development of brownfield sites for housing, maximising land use efficiency and minimising urban sprawl. By repurposing underutilised or derelict land, he aims to provide much-needed housing opportunities for young people seeking independence while preserving green spaces and protecting the integrity of the greenbelt.
- Boosting Local Healthcare Services: Recognising the importance of adequate healthcare provision, Luke will work to boost local healthcare services concurrent with housebuilding initiatives. This includes ensuring sufficient capacity in GP practices, dental services, and other healthcare facilities to accommodate the needs of new residents and existing communities alike.
- Ending Conversion of Family Homes into HMOs: Luke opposes the conversion of good-quality family homes into houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) for students, which can disrupt community cohesion and strain local resources. Instead, he advocates for the construction of purpose-built, high-quality student accommodation to meet the needs of student populations while alleviating pressure on family housing stock.
- Investing in Infrastructure: Luke understands that housebuilding must be accompanied by investment in infrastructure to support new residents. This includes upgrading transportation networks, expanding access to public services, and enhancing recreational amenities to create thriving and sustainable communities.
- Promoting Affordable Housing: Luke is committed to promoting affordable housing options for young people and families, ensuring that housing remains accessible and inclusive. This may involve incentivising developers to include affordable housing units in their projects or partnering with housing associations to increase the availability of social housing.
- Environmental Sustainability: Luke prioritises environmental sustainability in housebuilding, advocating for energy-efficient design, renewable energy sources, and green building practices. By incorporating sustainable features into new developments, he aims to reduce carbon emissions and mitigate the impact of climate change.
With Luke's housebuilding plan, Durham will experience sustainable growth that meets the needs of both current and future generations, while preserving the unique character and vitality of local communities. By championing brownfield development, supporting local healthcare services, and prioritising community well-being, he is laying the foundation for a more inclusive, resilient, and prosperous future.