Sir, I was interested to read about the proposal put forward by Clr. Michael Williams with regard to the site of the old Tenby Cottage Hospital and that it should be developed with affordable houses for those who are unable to jump on the property ladder (Tenby Observer - June 8). I endorse Michael Williams's comments fully, that a Housing Trust be set up or Housing Association be asked to take over the site, before some entrepreneur jumps in, purchases the site and builds 'executive apartments', which, in reality, will become more second homes or exclusive holiday flats for the well off. If there is an issue about where more new homes should be sited, a public meeting should be called before this matter is allowed to proceed further, thus allowing those who aspire to have their own affordable homes, private or rented, and give them an opportunity to express their choice, a meeting at which councillors and the PCC should be present. Consideration should also be given to 'brown' sites. Clearly, Tenby Cottage Hospital is one. Any green sites should be avoided, unless there is no other possibility. It is interesting that second homes and holiday lets are usually built by purchasing cheap buildings, knocking down old cottages and houses, which then become holiday lets, thus reducing the possibility of those who cannot afford to buy. Of course, holiday lets can be beneficial to our area, but overkill can push up the price of housing, which it has, not only here in Wales but nationwide, making it impossible for the young home seekers to get on the property ladder. Providing 'affordable' homes can often only become 'affordable' if you have a home to sell! Thus, there is also a great need for 'affordable' rented homes for those who are on low pay, or have no home to sell, or perhaps do not want to buy. Housing Associations are an excellent agency to build affordable rented homes. And good luck to them. There may also be another way. Most holiday lets are unused for a greater portion of the year. Would it not be a matter of charity, not to mention for the 'greater good of the community', if most, if not all, property owners could release a property or two of their second homes or holiday flats, and offer then at 'affordable' rents to local people? They would enjoy a regular 12-month income, have someone living at the property, thus providing some form of security for the property, and it would provide more income for PCC via rates, as well as helping those who are struggling to find a home for themselves, and may make for an even better community spirit. It would also mean local people could remain just that - local. It may even go a long way to preserve our ever diminishing green sites. Who knows, perhaps such an act of public spirit may even set a trend for the rest of Wales, even Britain!
Michael Doyle, Penally.