Housing & Build.

Background/Evidence

Within the Parish there are some 240 dwellings of which 15 are affordable houses at Rock Close, Wentnor owned by the South Shropshire Housing Association.

Whilst 25% of Respondents did not want any housing development 68% considered an average increase of 5% or 10% in the number of dwellings to be acceptable. Of those expressing an opinion as to the type of housing 99% favoured housing similar to that existing, 71% favoured modem housing if compatible with that nearby and 29% favoured any modern style of good design.

Of those expressing an opinion on affordable housing 93% considered such housing was needed of whom 52% favoured housing to buy and 48% to rent. However of 158 households who responded to the question about their future requirement for housing only 5 (3%) saw a need for additional housing of any type this year. Only 18 (11%) foresaw a need by 2008. Some if not all of this need might be met via the normal turnover of the existing housing stock.

Currently changes are in progress in the Government's Planning processes and there is increased Government emphasis on a bottom-up approach to local government. This should provide opportunities for the Parish's voice better to be heard.

Objectives

1. To ensure that any new building is compatible with the existing Built Environment and is not in conflict with the natural beauty and character of the area.
2. To ensure that the available affordable houses within the Parish match the needs of local people.