Plans to bring empty homes near RAF Feltwell back into use

Plans are in place to bring a series of empty RAF homes back into use in a bid to tackle “clear housing needs”.

South West Norfolk MP Terry Jermy was recently informed about the 15 properties at Trenchard Square in Feltwell, which is part of the RAF Feltwell military base.

They are believed to have been lying empty for more than a decade, with the homes named after Hugh Montague Trenchard - a British military officer and instrumental in establishing the Royal Air Force.

Mr Jermy was sparked into action, and has raised the possibility of reviving the houses with key Government figures.

Writing for the Lynn News, he said: “Concerned about the deterioration of the properties and the waste of what could be usable family homes, I raised the issue with Minister for Veterans and People, Al Carns MP, during a recent Westminster meeting, alongside other defence housing matters in the constituency at both Thetford and Marham.

“Following the meeting, I began working with the Ministry of Defence to bring these homes back into use.

“I emphasised the need for smaller one and two-bedroom properties locally, and encouraged the Ministry of Defence to work with military charities operating in South West Norfolk to consider prioritising the housing for veterans on the local housing waiting list.

“I am committed to ensuring that no military housing sits empty, particularly when we have such clear housing needs locally, and I am pleased to be working to bring these empty homes back into use to provide housing for local families.”

Mr Jermy said Feltwell residents have discussed the homes with him on a number of occasions, and he hopes to have them back in use “fairly quickly”.