Preserving Family Homes in Guildford

1.00.00pm GMT Sun 2nd Mar 2008

Many family-sized homes in Guildford are beig converted into flats

The Liberal Democrats are working to stop Guildford town centre from being turned into 'flatland'. There are many new developments of flats, and small town centre homes are being turned into very small flats.

Cllr Sarah Di Caprio said, "The loss of family homes can result in a lack of community spirit. People in small flats tend to move on quickly, and the additional units put pressure on services such as rubbish collection. The remaining small family homes become even more expensive, forcing families out of the area."

The Liberal Democrats have proposed the creation of Housing Conversion Restraint Areas, which have been used successfully elsewhere to protect small family homes from conversion. However, despite strong support from Residents' Associations and some Conservatives, the motion was blocked by the Conservative Executive.