Reader's Letters: Harrogate needs more appropriate housing for older people

Readers’ Letters is a free weekly column giving you the chance to have your say on issues affecting the Harrogate district. It is an opinion column and does not reflect the views of the Stray Ferret. Send your views to letters@thestrayferret.co.uk.

We are all aware of the huge growth in new housing around Harrogate and the loss of green countryside.

Is new housing for our benefit or the house builders? I fear the latter. If local need were a priority, I believe the selection of new builds would all include bungalows. This should become the law.

A section of our citizens would prefer/need single level dwellings. This may be because of physical ability or age or personal preference.

Many older people are living in homes that once supported a family and may like to downsize to more suitable, smaller accommodation perhaps on one level.

I am curious why this, like solar panels on new builds, isn’t raised by the council when processing new housing applications.

I look forward to responses from those involved in the housing industry. Please don’t just mention costs as many older people would consider it worth it.

My short stay in single level accommodation a few years back made me realise the luxury of such living.

Anne Boodt, Harrogate

Town council election

I am mystified by last week’s election. I live in the Pannal Ward and was aware of the election and that we had three candidates. However we weren’t canvassed by anyone, received no leaflets and didn’t receive any polling cards. I couldn’t find any details relating to Pannal on the NYCC website.

Nevertheless I went to the usual location of our polling station on Thursday evening and it was empty so I didn’t get a chance to vote. How many others were denied their democratic right (or, as I believe, obligation)? I wonder what voter turnout was in Pannal?

Denis Kaye, Pannal

Do you have an opinion on the Harrogate district? Email us at letters@thestrayferret.co.uk. Please include your name and approximate location details. Limit your letters to 350 words. We reserve the right to edit letters.

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