A CHARITY has announced it has pulled out of a deal which could have helped young people in Brockham stay close to their families.
The Sidney Michael Poland Trust, based in Brockham, had struck a deal with developer Charles Church to take over six of the 30 homes it wants to build at Tanners Meadow, Strood Green.
But the trustees withdrew their bid last month after Mole Valley District Council told them it had no say in who can move into the affordable homes in Tanners Meadow. In a statement, Derek Minor, one of the trustees, admitted his annoyance at the council's stance: "The trustees are frustrated that this initiative has been thwarted, particularly at this late stage. They could see real benefit for a number of young Brockham residents in the scheme."
The charity started discussions with the developers after a 2009 housing needs survey showed the village required 29 more homes.
And while the proposal for Tanners Meadow continues to be controversial, the six homes for youngsters in Brockham offered a compromise.
Brockham resident Roger Abbott, who is against the proposed development, said the news that the charity had pulled out was "very sad" for the village's youngsters.
"If a highly respected and well-funded charity like the Poland Trust cannot operate such an affordable housing scheme with properties they actually own – then no-one can," said the 60-year-old father, of Nutwood Avenue.
He added: "It's in all of us to want to protect and help our own. It's natural that we want to provide housing to our children in preference of others."
Despite his sadness, Mr Abbott recognised the importance of housing the district's homeless as opposed to those already living next door.
"In the wider scheme of things, there are many young families out there who have nowhere to live and it's understandable that the Government ensures they get housed first," he added.
Under its affordable housing scheme, the district council says it would decide who moved into the homes first and giving the homeless a roof over their heads is a "key issue".