Do you have a housing need in West Devon?

West Devon Borough Council want to hear from the North Tawton community and those living in Princetown and Dartmoor Forest, about their housing needs so they can help to deliver what is needed for the local community.

When the Borough Council declared a Housing Crisis in response to the issues communities were having in finding homes, they developed an action plan that included supporting local homes for local people.

Part of that action plan was to carry out Housing Needs Surveys to find out exactly what each community needs so they can better provide for local people.

The Council need to know exactly what the housing need is for the community, so by carrying out a short survey, it will help them to understand the bigger picture of housing in North Tawton, Princetown and the surrounding moorland area.

To help address North Tawton’s specific housing needs, please take ten minutes to fill out the Housing Needs Survey at: https://bit.ly/3X3Ivj4.

For Princetown and Dartmoor Forest, visit: https://bit.ly/3PIRRhP.

You can email any questions about the survey or any of your affordable housing queries to the Affordable Housing Team on: [email protected].

The surveys close on Monday, 6th February, 2023.

Cllr Barry Ratcliffe, West Devon Borough Council’s Ward Member for Exbourne, said: “If we have a really strong idea about what we need for our community housing, then we can work hand in hand with our partners to deliver what is specifically needed for North Tawton.

‘That can only be a positive for our community to develop and grow. Housing is so expensive and it is difficult to get on to the ladder. If we can help to facilitate the right homes for the right people, it can only help.”

There will be a drop-in session on Saturday, 4th February, at North Tawton Community Centre from 10am until 2pm.

Cllr Mark Renders, West Devon Borough Council’s Ward Member for Dartmoor, said: “It’s really important that residents take the time to complete the survey. The more information we have about the housing in Princetown the better, because then we know exactly what we need for the people who live here.

‘If as a Council, we have a really clear picture about what we need, then we can work with our housing delivery partners to get what is needed for our community. That can only be a good thing and will help make the area more sustainable, for our families and young people especially, to live and work here.

‘Please take a little time to complete the survey, online or go along to the drop-in session where someone can help you complete it. It really doesn’t take long to do.”

There will be a drop-in session on Saturday, 28th January, at Princetown Community Centre from 11am until 2pm.

The teams will be on hand to help you and to answer any questions you may have. There will also be paper copies of the surveys available too. These events give you the chance to tell the Housing Team what you would really like for your community, and to get your voice heard.

Cllr Lois Samuel, West Devon Borough Council’s Ward Member for Exbourne, said: “If we have information about housing in North Tawton, then we can better provide for the houses that you need to live in to make your homes. Do you need to get on to the property ladder for two-to-three bedrooms for your family? Are there retirement homes that you desperately need?

‘It’s really important that you take a few minutes of your time to complete the survey so we can build a picture of what housing we have already and what is desperately needed for your community. We’re all very busy but this will really help your future communities get the properties they need to grow.”