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LoPRA - The Second Year How things change! LoPRA came into being a few years ago with “big” issues to confront which, however they worked out, would have a direct influence on life in Long Preston, and decide the character of the place for years to come. In the first year the two “big” issues were the A65 by-pass and the threat of large-scale development outside the village building line. The first was not to be - having had the order revoked earlier this year despite huge opposition - but, on the second, the village made its voice heard and the politicians and planners took notice of the people of Long Preston and realised that they had better not take this little village on the border of the National Park for granted. They knew we meant business and knew how to go about it. They took the trouble to come to Long Preston to report on issues and listen to what we had to say. We have been told, and we firmly believe, that some of the decisions made since then have taken into account and been influenced by views voiced by LoPRA. Then came the Affordable Homes Assessment. The first attempt at this was derisible and seriously flawed. The perpetrators were asked to reassess a large number of issues when they came to present it to LoPRA and soon this was discontinued and a firm of specialist consultants appointed to carry out a new survey and assessment. The new survey was completed and assessed and is now included in council policy. LoPRA wants to see more affordable housing for local people with local jobs as well as for older people with roots in the community. LoPRA does not believe that a weak affordable homes policy should be the Trojan horse permitting commercial developers toeholds whereby they are allowed free rein in exchange for a few “affordable” homes. Recently economic conditions have taken the pressure off housing development, and it looks as though this could be the start of an economic cycle lasting a few years. LoPRA has had time to look at other ways of enabling affordable housing and ensuring that proper arrangements are made to protect it as affordable or social housing. There are no easy solutions and care needs to be taken to ensure arrangements are made to protect the affordability for future generations. One thing is certain, the threats will return. Developers will again eye up Long Preston in their search for the easy option and fast selling locations. The A65 has just been reconstructed and it is likely that it will soon be handed over to North Yorkshire County Council following the proposed detrunking. It will now deteriorate for 20 years whilst its use builds up to the threatened gridlock! There will be other threats that we haven’t yet heard of. We need to be ready to act quickly when they happen and in the meantime we will continue to assist the Parish Council where they need it, and we will keep a weather eye open for all issues that may affect our local environment and living conditions. Click here to find out why LoPRA was formed?
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