A LOW-COST housing development looks set to go ahead in Gravesend despite one Labour councillor's objections.

Gravesend Churches Housing Association wants to build the 20-flat complex on a disused plot of land in Overcliffe, providing homes for people on low incomes.

Councillor Elizabeth Colley described the site as an "awful, scruffy bit of the street" and said: "It needs developing but not like this."

She said the height of the three to five-storey blocks would have a "big brother effect" on neighbouring bungalows. Half of the two-bedroom flats will be available to rent through the housing association and the rest will be sold as shared-ownership through Eltham-based Tower Homes.

Development officer of Gravesend Churches John Wafer said: "These homes will enable people on low incomes to get a start on the property ladder."

All members of the regulatory board, except Cllr Colley, voted in favour of the proposal, which will develop land which has been disused for 20 years.

Supporting the plans, Councillor Alf Mersh said: "These flats will provide homes for extremely needy people. This site really needs to be developed. The flats look good and will be a big benefit to the area."

December 4, 2001 11:38