How ironic when in a week the Chronicle highlights house prices now are eight times the average pay, in the same issue a student accommodation company was announcing they were submitting a planning application for more than 260 bedrooms.
Estate agent Carey Gilliand said properties were so expensive because of the lack of new homes being built. So how on earth will new homes ever be built if student companies are allowed to keep building student accommodation?
The site in question is the Hartwell Garage property on Newbridge Road which has considerable space along the road as well as in the old quarry behind.
This, after all, is in the heart of residential property and could accommodate homes for the first-time buyer and more suitable family homes.
Until the council brings in a policy such suitable residential sites must be used for house building, there will always be headlines in the Chronicle announcing house prices are eight times the average pay.
The development control committee can start the ball rolling by throwing out the application when it comes before them.
Peter Burns
Avon Park Lower Weston Bath