Jan Goffey calls for focus on 'brownfield' sites for development

Jan Goffey at the Old Mill on Mill Road

Jan Goffey, Liberal Democrat candidate in the Okehampton South by-election has called for more focus to be given to developing 'brownfield' sites for local housing.

“Nearly all political parties agree we need more, and affordable, housing,” commented Jan Goffey. “The challenge is, where? Property developers prefer greenfield sites because they are easier to develop and so are more profitable.”

“But there are many so-called ‘brownfield’ sites in our town that are lying abandoned and derelict. They are often dangerous and definitely an eye-sore. We need to make more of an effort to redevelop these sites”

“A classic example in Okehampton is the Old Mill on Mill Road. It's been empty for years. Redeveloping in-town sites saves valuable farming land, and means that residents are much closer to the facilities of the town. It really does make sense all round.”

“If I am successful in being elected I will be urging West Devon Borough Council to  place more emphasis on facilitating ‘brownfield’ site development.”