There’s no place like home. Trite? But true. Why else is the topic of housing such a hot one nationwide and locally in Wells and its immediate surrounds?
This is why at its October meeting the Wells civic society pulled out lots of stops and assembled a star-studded cast to debate : Is more housing good or bad for Wells: how should future housing be approached in historic cities? The starting line-up comprised: Martin Hamilton, director of Leeds civic trust and chair of Civic Voice, the national umbrella for civic societies; Dr Katy Karampur, senior lecturer in Urban Planning, University of the West of England, with a special interest in development in historic towns; Nigel Salmon, local planning consultant working with developers, house builders and planning authorities; and Ros Wyke, Somerset council lead member for Economic Development, Planning and Assets.
Reflecting the high degree of local interest, the hall was full, including some local councillors as well as representatives of interest groups. Members of the panel gave presentations, two doing so by Zoom, and Chris Winter, chair of the society, had outlined points of particular interest that might be addressed during the evening, such as the number and type of houses that Wells wanted and could sustain and the knock-on effects that new houses might have on public transport, education and health services
From their different perspectives, each contributor addressed the issues thoroughly. This brief report can only touch upon the legion of details that were entered into. But the planning process was one recurring theme. Others were: affordability; strategic planning in good time, preferably across authorities; energy efficient houses; a balance between the old and the new; new developments having a community feel. Such was the flavour of the evening, but there were many more courses than these.
Who was it said: A house is made of walls and beams; A home is built with love and dreams? Although often highlighting the problems and hindrances, this implication that people need good housing, whether rented, owned, sustainable, affordable or social, and an attractive environment in order the better to live happy and contented lives, had permeated all the presentations. Given that the emphasis is on the word civic in the title of the society, this was an evening that had thoroughly resonated with not only the concerns of the society but with its core values.
Richard Hanks
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