Action Hampshire carried out a Housing Need Survey in 2015 which demonstrated evidence of the need for a new affordable housing scheme in the Parish. This evidence of housing need led to the inclusion of a statement within the Odiham Neighbourhood Plan 2017 to support the development of a new scheme in the Parish where affordable homes for local people could be provided. This would be through the identification of a suitable rural exception site.
Extract from Odiham Parish Neighbourhood Plan 2017: ‘Odiham Parish Council is keen to identify a Rural Exception Site after the Neighbourhood Plan has been made…… The Neighbourhood Plan consultation process and the Housing Needs Survey of 2008, updated in 2015, have established that residents favour such local connection criteria. ‘
Housing Need Surveys are important as they help to understand the housing needs of the local community. Communities are more likely to thrive and retain their amenities and character when the homes meet the specific needs of local people, as this gives people the opportunity to remain within their communities and among important support networks.
The 12 new affordable homes are due to complete in July 2022. These homes have been developed by Hastoe Housing Association in partnership with Odiham Parish Council and Hart District Council, with support from Action Hampshire.
We have provided support for the project through facilitating the working group and carrying out two community consultation events in 2018.
The 12 homes consist of 4 x 1 bed flats, 5 x 2 bed houses and 1 x 3 bed house. All have a garden and private space. The design of the scheme relates to the context of nearby existing buildings.
This scheme shows the importance of identifying housing need and that through partnership working this can lead to the successful development of an affordable housing scheme which meets the needs of local people.
We carry out Housing Need Surveys for Parish Councils and Community Groups. We also provide services to support the delivery of rural affordable and community led housing. Please contact us by following this link or phone 01962 854971 to find out more information.
