Image
2,100 people in total took part in the surveys – one for each town – which ran in September 2022. The surveys sought people’s views on their priorities for future housing in the towns, including the need for affordable housing.
In a meeting held earlier today (Monday 11 September), North Somerset councillors were given a summary of the results including:
- the demand for different types of housing (including affordable housing, rental units, and homeownership opportunities),
- barriers or challenges preventing residents from accessing suitable housing,
- the need for supportive housing options (such as housing for older people, those with disabilities and impairments, and low-income families), and
- the impact of rising housing costs and housing shortages.
Councillor Jenna Ho Marris, North Somerset Council’s Executive Member for Homes and Health, said: “What a great response! I’d like to thank everyone who responded to the surveys, particularly the residents of Clevedon and Nailsea. I’d also like to thank the Clevedon and District Community Trust Group (CDCT) for their invaluable support with carrying out the survey exercise.
“We know we haven't been building enough of the kinds of homes that people need. This is a local problem and a wider national problem, which has gone on for many years. The results of this survey also shows just how much more we need to do to on truly affordable housing. This information will provide a useful steer to parish councils, neighbourhood plan groups, community land trusts, housing associations and developers. On top of this, it’s valuable evidence to the council’s planning officers when reviewing applications for potential housing developments in the towns. I want this to spur action for the right homes, in the right place, at the right price.”
The survey responses can be read in full in a report published on the council’s website at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/housingneedsreport.