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Introduction to the District Council's housing enabling function
The basic human need for somewhere to call "home" is universally recognized. But what if you, a relation or a friend cannot afford a decent home? Or what if you already have a good home, but your community would benefit from some additional homes to help ensure it has a sustainable future? This is why the District Council recognizes the importance of ensuring a healthy supply of affordable, sustainable, well-designed and well-built homes for the well-being of local people and communities.
Taking stock
We are proud of the fact that the District is an attractive place in which to live and work. Most of our existing housing stock is in good condition. BUT ...
The average cost of a home in Stratford-on-Avon District is about £320,000. This is about one third higher than the average for the whole of Warwickshire (£223,000). Even the cost of smaller properties is high, at about £180,000 (source: Land Registry January to March 2010).
While it is true that property prices have increased significantly across the country in recent years, properties in Stratford-on-Avon District cost significantly more than the national and regional averages. Most homes for sale on the open market are now beyond the reach of first time buyers.
All this has resulted in large numbers of people unable to afford to remain in the communities in which they were born or brought up. This has serious implications for the future well-being of those communities, and the services and facilities they depend on.
This is why the District Council has made the provision of more affordable homes a top priority.
Working in partnership
The Council is pursuing initiatives to maintain a balanced housing market and boost the supply of affordable, sustainable, homes for local people. This complements our work to maintain the quality of the District's existing housing stock.
While the District Council does not develop housing itself, we do work closely with a wide range of partners to enable the provision of new homes. Especially, we work with our local communities and in partnership with housing associations and others.
Nearly 5,800 new homes have been built over the past decade. This has been more than enough to meet previous strategic requirements. Yet in recent years less than 17% have been genuinely affordable and relevant to local needs. We are working to change this situation, because we believe that building the right homes in the right place can actually benefit local communities. Our local communities are key partners in this process.
Further information is available from the Development and Enabling Officer on 01789 260843, by fax on 01789 260860, or by emailing housing@stratford-dc.gov.uk
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