ISLAND MP Bob Seely has helped secure government consent to allow development of former school land on the Isle of Wight for social housing.
The redundant sites at Taylor Road, Newport, formerly part of Carisbrooke High School, and the former Island Learning Centre at Lake needed the green light from the Department of Education otherwise funding to build the homes could have been lost.
Mr Seely wrote to the education minister, Justine Greening, in July to seek the permission, so the land could be transferred to Sovereign Housing, who are working in partnership with the Island’s council to build the homes.
The schemes are being funded by the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) but the money to deliver the projects was time limited.
Mr Seely said: “I spoke to the minister about the problem, told her funds were only available for a set period and she promised to talk to her officials to get things moving. I received a letter earlier this month confirming the consent.
“This is an important step forward in making sure we have homes for people on the Island using brownfield, not greenfield land. I was pleased I could use the influence I have as the Island’s MP to take the problem to the minister.”
The Department of Education granted consent under Schedule 1 of the Academies Act 2010 and section 77 of the Schools Standards and Frameworks Act 1998.