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West Sussex Councils complete first county housing assessment
Ref : 09/060 : Date : 02-07-2009
The first housing assessment to cover the whole of West Sussex has been completed by a partnership of eight local councils.
The assessment considered why people choose to live where they do and what factors drive the housing markets in West Sussex. The need for affordable housing as well as homes to be sold and rented on the open market was looked at as well as how people might expect to live in the future, taking into account projected changes in population, household formations and developments in the local economy across the county.
The evaluation has been undertaken by Adur, Arun, Chichester, Horsham and Mid Sussex District Councils, Crawley and Worthing Borough Councils and West Sussex County Council. Consultants GVA Grimley consultants were commissioned to complete the study, in line with government guidelines.
Linda Grange, Project leader, said: "This multi-agency partnership has worked to produce a vision that is effective, now and in years to come. It is a fundamental piece of evidence that will help us all to shape both future housing and planning policy."
"The study identified two key sub regional housing markets operating across the county, one in the North and the other covering the coastal area. Two reports have therefore been produced, one for each area."
Adur Council’s housing strategy and enabling officer, Arjan de Jong, said: "The findings from the SHMA emphasise that future housing in Adur should include a mix of types and sizes to cater for families as well as older and younger people, which will assist us in maintaining sustainable communities."
Key findings of the study include :
- The requirement for local authorities to provide as quickly as possible a strong policy framework to support housing land allocations and to maintain a 5 year supply of land where new homes can be built.
- Recognition that the current economic climate will mean local authorities will have to balance longer term objectives with what can realistically be achieved in the short term to deliver new homes.
- Support for the development of an Economic Growth Strategy for the coastal area to improve the balance between homes and jobs and to link more closely housing supply and economic development.
- Recognition that for the north of the County continued investment in quality of place, in social and community infrastructure and in cultural and leisure facilities, will be key to creating and maintaining attractive places to live.
- There is a substantial need for affordable homes. The study shows that considering the number of new homes likely to be built over the next ten years and considering just those with greatest need, some 38% of all homes would need to be affordable in the North and 77% in the coastal area.
Whilst it is highly unlikely that the numbers of affordable homes required will be delivered in the short term due to financial constraints, the study recommends the adoption of an affordable housing policy for all authorities requiring at least 40% of new homes on major development sites to be designated affordable.
The 'sub regional' approach enabled the local authorities involved to consider the operation of local housing markets. By working together, the Councils believe they have delivered a more relevant and cost effective assessment for the County.
There was also focus on specific 'local' areas of interest such as the rural housing market, affordability of housing, the growth in the number of people buying to let , those having second homes and the housing needs of older people and those with 'special needs'.
The consultation process for the study included the formation of a Stakeholder Focus Group and stakeholder events. These stakeholders included house builders, government agencies and landlords.
The study's findings will be used to develop and inform local and regional planning and housing policy in the future, including what types of homes should be built and where for the next 10 years.
A partnership approach to assessing the housing markets in West Sussex will be maintained by the local authorities and the current study will be reviewed and updated and completely refreshed in approximately 5 years time
Both reports and further background information can be can be found via the West Sussex Council's project web site - West Sussex County Council HMA webpage (www.westsussex.gov.uk/living/planning/planning_and_you/housing_market_assessment.aspx)
Ends
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