Langtree housing needs survey

This survey was conducted by the Community Council for Deveon on behalf of langtree Parish Council. Before any housing development can occur a needs survey must be carried out to Government specifications. Whilst the Parish Plan provided broadly the same information it was not deemed to comply fully with Government regulations for validity . No planning applications are likely to be considered outside of the specifics shown in the survey.

Langtree Local Housing Needs Report

Executive Summary

Principal Conclusions

The survey identified need for 7 affordable homes within the next 3 years:

• Backlog:                                 2 household
• Forecast within 3 years:        5 households

Recommendations

1)  A provision of affordable houses to meet needs should be made at Langtree.

2) The survey results support the development of suitable small site (less than 0.5 hectares) at Langtree.

3) The need is for social rented and shared ownership accommodation.

4) The preferred housing mix is 6 two bedroom houses or flats and 1 three bedroom houses. This should be subject to a pre-development refresher survey.

Other Findings

·        The survey was commissioned by Langtree Parish Council and carried out as an independent survey by the Community Council of Devon in October 2007. It is considered that the survey should remain relevant for at least 3 years subject to significant changes in the condition of the housing market.

·        The survey achieved its aim of identifying actual households in need. 320 surveys were delivered and 96 survey forms were returned. The response rate of 30% which is acceptable. 

·        Out of those returned, 13 had filled in part two of the survey.  This is 13.5% of all returns.

·        81% of those replying said they would be in favour of a small development of affordable housing for local people. 19% were not.

·        Most households in need aspire to home ownership, though many lack the resources to achieve this.

·        One household in need did not meet the local connection requirement of Torridge DC. This household would be a key worker if it was possible to assess where they worked.

·        Income levels are low and very few respondents could afford a private rent if this was available.

·        Of those in need three were single people, 2 couples and one family with children and one household of 2 related adults.

·        The survey identified some need for accommodation for older people in the owner occupied sector.