Audlem Ward Rural Housing Needs Survey
In November and December 2007, a questionnaire
was sent out to all the households in the Audlem ward. This
consisted of over 1600 sent to every house in the parishes of
Audlem, Buerton, Dodcott-cum-Wilkesley, Hankelow and Newhall.
The purpose was to establish if there was a
need for affordable housing in these rural areas.
The result was a clear ‘yes’ - there is such a
local need and the survey gives the Borough Council a definite
steer about the number and type of homes that are
required.
Bob Vass, the Cheshire East Rural Housing
Enabler, who works closely with Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council,
and who was in overall charge of the survey was pleased with the
response. More than a third of the questionnaires were
returned which is viewed as being an effective and workable result.
Generally, the views of most people were positive with 60% of
residents who replied stating that they were in favour. The
remainder were either against the idea of affordable housing or
were unsure. However, it was evident that many people were
unclear about what affordable housing could mean to their
communities.
Bob stated: “It is important that people
realise that any affordable housing that is created in a rural area
is for local people. It is not there to attract people from
outside the area. In fact, the very opposite is the
case. The whole thrust of rural affordable housing is to
enable people to remain in and continue to contribute to their
community. Legal measures are put in place at the planning
stage to ensure this and to ensure that any such housing remains
affordable in perpetuity for local people.”
Craig Marner, who is Chair of Dodcott cum
Wilkesley Parish Council, said: “The survey demonstrates the
urgent need to provide affordable homes to ensure local people can
continue to live in and contribute to the area.”
The survey revealed that there was an
immediate need for over 100 affordable homes across the Audlem
ward. A number of possible sites are now being investigated
as to their suitability. Any interested local people who
qualify are encouraged to register their interest with Wulvern
Housing in Crewe.
Commenting on the survey results, Crewe and
Nantwich Borough Councillor Rachel Bailey, Portfolio Holder for
Planning, said: I am delighted that the survey has allowed
residents in the Audlem Ward to speak and confirm their need of
"Local Homes for Local People". I look forward to possible
sites being identified and providing well developed housing through
a Registered Social Landlord to ensure its existence for future
generations.
ENDS
0030/jv
25th February 2008
MEDIA CONTACT: Jo Vause - 01270 537018
news.views@crewe-nantwich.gov.uk
Results from the survey can be found here
Photograph:
The photograph shows the Housing Needs Survey being discussed
with the Dodcott cum Wilkesley Parish Council. In the
picture, from right to left, are Terry Bailey, Craig Marner (PC
Chair), Jean White (PC Clerk) and Bob Vass