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A Housing Needs Survey (HNS) provides accurate information at a local level to support the development of the Council's Housing Strategy, Affordable Housing Programme, and Local Development Framework.
the survey identifies the annual need for affordable housing in the District over the next five years, taking into account the existing backlog of unmet need, and newly arising need. This includes details of the accommodation required by type, size, tenure and affordability. It will help assess the housing needs and preferences of households with special needs, and for black and minority ethnic groups. Information is also provided on the number of households requiring physical adaptations or supported housing.
Between 1994 and 2008 we have carried out 4 housing needs surveys of the district. We also use our well-maintained and regularly updated Common Housing Register as an indicator of need. This has proven to be particularly useful when researching need at ward and parish levels.
The main findings of our survey completed in November 2008, are available by clicking on either of the following links:
Housing Needs Survey - 2008 (PDF 976 KB)
Balancing the Housing Markets Housing Stock Analysis (PDF 280KB)
Our 2008 survey confirms that our greatest need is for affordable rented homes. The survey identifies that over 60% of households living with other members of their family, who are seeking accommodation of their own, are unable to afford to buy or privately rent even the cheapest one-bedroom flat. The survey recommends that a total of 369 affordable properties are needed each year to meet this need.
The need for intermediate tenures remains strong across the district, hence the continued tenure split of 75% social rent, and 25% intermediate tenures required on planning obligation sites.
The Babergh area already has a large stock of family sized dwellings. However, the number of smaller households living within the district is increasing, which means that more small dwellings in all tenures are required in order to help balance the local housing market and meet identified need.
An ageing population also means that accommodation suitable for older people must be encouraged, to include bungalows, private sheltered and all tenures of very sheltered housing
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