BETTER use of roof spaces in social housing and former council homes could be on the cards. St Albans district council is looking into extending council-owned properties through the roof space and is considering selling the lofts of flats and maisonettes

BETTER use of roof spaces in social housing and former council homes could be on the cards.

St Albans district council is looking into extending council-owned properties through the roof space and is considering selling the lofts of flats and maisonettes to owners who bought under the right to buy scheme.

The decision to look into the matter was taken following the public services overview and scrutiny committee meeting earlier this month.

Leader of the Conservative party at the council, Julian Daly, said that the idea was put forward by St Stephen councillor David Canham some while back after he learned that other councils were already making use of loft space.

Cllr Daly said that the move made sense because space was at such a premium in the district and private homeowners had always utilised lofts to extend their properties.

He added: "We have been pushing quite hard to get this accepted as a principle to create more space. So we ask that the council takes a more positive view and tries to encourage this in the future.