MP Attacks local Housing Bureaucracy for stifling initiative

4.06.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 15th Apr 2003

MP Vincent Cable has attacked the council and Richmond Housing Partnership for "raising unnecessary bureaucratic obstacles to local tenants trying to expand their homes and meet the shortage of affordable family homes in the area".

The row centres on an enterprising family in Teddington who has being wanting to build an extra bedroom on their 2 bedroom flat using an unused drying area in the block of flats.

They are severely overcrowded (with two children of opposite sex); they cannot get a housing transfer; and they have been trying for two years to get permission to solve the problem

themselves."

"Vincent Cable said: "endless, mind boggling petty objections are being raised by the Housing Association (RHP) and the council. RHP say neighbours might object - but they don't.

They are worried about cost - but the family will pay. They raise five objections - which have been met. The council raises planning objections - but they are unintelligible."

"Here is an enterprising family trying to help the borough deal with its chronic shortage of family sized affordable houses and they have run into the full weight of negative bureaucratic thinking in RHP and the council."

"Contact Juliet Oram 8977 1511