Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Affordable and Sustainable Housing

Thursday 8 September 2022 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Church is establishing a new national housing association to utilise Church-owned land for developing affordable homes.
  • Pod homes are being considered to house vulnerable people temporarily.
  • St Elizabeth's Eastbourne was demolished in 2019 due to the building being unsafe.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Caroline Ansell Con
Housing Religion & Faith
Context

The Church's Coming Home report highlighted the need to address housing shortages. The question arises from a desire to utilise church-owned land more effectively.

Question

What steps is the Church taking to provide affordable, sustainable housing on its land?

Answer from Andrew Selous

Following the Church's “Coming Home” report, a new national housing association is being established to utilise Church-owned land for developing more affordable homes where feasible. Additionally, pod homes are being considered to house vulnerable people temporarily.

Partly answered

How: Looking To, Where We Are Able To

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Q2 Caroline Ansell Con
Housing Local Government Religion & Faith
Context

The demolition of St Elizabeth's church in Eastbourne created an opportunity for development, but the community has mixed feelings about its future use. The local council is working on finding appropriate housing schemes.

Question

Understandably, there were mixed feelings when the original St Elizabeth's church in Eastbourne's old town had to be demolished, but the church community moved next door and is thriving. Demolition created a significant site in a prime location in a town where housing development opportunities are few and far between. May I ask my hon. Friend what progress has been made in order to realise the potential on the site?

Answer from Andrew Selous

St Elizabeth's Eastbourne was due for demolition in 2019 because the building was unsafe, and I am pleased that the congregation are thriving in their new location. We are now looking to find a new home for the Hans Feibusch murals from the crypt, which are splendid according to photographs seen. We are working with the local council, developers and the local community to find an appropriate housing scheme for this site.

Partly answered

How: Looking To, We Are Working With

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