A council in Devon has voted to explore the use of cruise ships as housing for local people in need of accommodation.
Following a motion filed by Councillor David Brenton, Torridge District Council (TDC) agreed to look into the feasibility of leasing or renting a vessel to house those in need of emergency accommodation or on local housing waiting lists.
In his motion, Councillor David Brenton said: “With the large numbers of cruise ships being scrapped or laid up due to a fall in demand following COVID.
“I propose that TDC explore the feasibility of forming a partnership with our neighboring authorities – i.e NDDC, Exeter CC etc. – with a view to leasing or renting a vessel to accommodate emergency or other housing list people.
“Cruise ships have a high standard of habitation and self-contained servicing and a suitable craft which would fit into Middle Dock could provide a quick solution for some of our desperate citizens needing housing.”
Speaking at the meeting, Brenton said: “We live in radical times which call for radical measures to alleviate them. We do need to look at what’s coming our way and it’s about to hit the fan.
He added: “It is feasible I believe – they are scrapping perfectly good accommodation because there is no demand for it.
“We are in a unique position where we own Middle Dock, which has got a good birthing situation there, despite over the years the shipyard had bought out some vast vessels to park alongside there.”
Cllr Peter Christie said: “When I saw this first, I suspect I had the same feeling as many of us that this was slightly crackers.
“Having said that, I think it is worth looking at.”
It is hoped that such a scheme could ultimately be used to ease the high demand for housing in the area.
Credit: Darryl Brooks/Shutterstock
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