YATE’S former magistrates’ court is to be deliberately destroyed, knocked down in favour of 50 homes.
Plans to bulldoze the courthouse have sparked upset with residents, who are contesting the decision and calling into question Homes England’s regard for the functionality of Yate town centre.
New homes are, of course, important. Rising rates of homelessness desperately need to be addressed. A lack of affordable housing must be tackled too.
But new housing needs accompanying new, or extra, infrastructure.
In highlighting the usefulness of the former courthouse, Yate’s residents are offering a potential solution to the lack of infrastructure the town will face as it expands in the coming years.
Cllr Gawn sees in the court a potential police station, minor injuries unit, or a cottage hospital.
Housing is vital, yes, but common sense and creative thinking, such as Cllr Gawn has demonstrated, are going to be key in forging funtioning communities as well.
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