Find out how our Housing Needs Survey supported Cllr Sheila Harden to start the process of creating Rural, Affordable Housing in Dummer.
Luke Buckland from our Rural, Affordable Housing team recently met with the Chair of Dummer Parish Council, Cllr Sheila Harden to talk about the council’s experience of carrying out a Housing Needs Survey.
Many rural communities know they need different types of housing, but it can be difficult to evidence that need. Housing Needs Surveys provide independent data to help parish councils influence planning decisions and engage more effectively with developers and local authorities.
A Housing Needs Survey is a questionnaire sent to local residents to identify the types of homes people need now and in the future, helping ensure new housing better meets local needs.
Here’s what Sheila had to say.
What motivated you to carry out a Housing Needs Survey?
Before deciding to carry out the survey, the parish council already had a good understanding of some of the housing challenges facing the village.
“There are a lot of older people living in very large family houses who would like to downsize, but there are very few suitable options available,” Sheila explained.
The council had also identified a shortage of two and three-bedroom family homes, starter homes and rental properties. Many of the village’s smaller homes had been extended over the years, reducing the availability of smaller properties.
Although councillors had a strong sense of these issues, they wanted robust, independent evidence to support their understanding.
What did the survey reveal?
The survey confirmed that there was a relatively limited need for affordable housing in the village, with a need for five affordable homes.
However, it also highlighted a strong need for smaller, modern homes with good insulation and energy efficiency. There was also interest in bungalows and other homes with ground-floor living to better meet the needs of residents with accessibility requirements.
The survey also identified a need for more rental accommodation. Sheila noted that many rental properties are being sold, forcing some residents to leave the village because they can no longer find suitable rental homes locally.
How have the survey results been used?
The findings have already made a difference.
A developer proposing a 10-home scheme has adapted aspects of their plans in response to the survey results. The parish council has also used the evidence in discussions with Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.
“Now we have evidence of the homes we need, we can approach developers with more clout. It’s useful to have that additional bit of backing that is independent.”
What advice would you give to other parish councils considering a Housing Needs Survey?
Sheila’s advice is to tailor the survey to the needs of your community.
For Dummer, the council wanted to understand the current size of people’s homes, and whether properties were owned or rented but also people’s aspirations for the future. Working with Action Hampshire, they adapted the survey questions ensuring the results provided the information they needed.
What was your experience of working with Action Hampshire?
Sheila described the experience as positive.
“I enjoyed it very much. Claire was very easy to get hold of and was happy to adapt parts of the survey to include the questions we wanted to ask”.
Sheila also highlighted the value the survey provided.
“The Housing Needs Survey was not expensive for the value of the information you get back”.
Find out more
If your parish council is considering a Housing Needs Survey, Action Hampshire can help you understand your community’s housing needs and provide the evidence needed to support future planning.
To find out more about our Housing Needs Survey service, or how we can support your community with rural affordable housing, visit our web page or email: housing@actionhampshire.org
Follow this link to find out more
