North Wiltshire Partnership

Housing

   & the

Built

Environment

Ensuring that there is sufficient housing of all types to meet the needs of the community has been identified as a key issue in North Wiltshire. It is particularly important that affordable homes are available to meet the needs of those who are vulnerable such as the elderly, the disabled and young people.

In all areas of housing development, there are the additional considerations of local amenities, services and facilities (for example shops, schools, health centres) these need to be in place whilst care is given to making sure that the character of an area and its historic buildings are preserved.

Key issues

Key issues identified during community consultation included

1. Lack of affordable housing.
3. Housing development relative to capacity of facilities such as school and health care provision.
5. Development should be in keeping with an area.
7. Availability of sheltered housing.
9. Lack of available and affordable starter homes to enable young people to stay in the area.

What we will do

North Wiltshire Partnership will work with others on improving affordable housing for more people by

• Considering alternative options.
• Lobbying regional government.
• Supporting research into genuine needs.
• Delivering projects targeted to specific need.
• Securing appropriate infrastructure and facilities in line with development.

What is already happening

A wide range of groups and organisations are delivering work that contributes to improvements in this theme some examples include

1. The North Wiltshire Affordable Housing Partnership aims to deliver at least 100 new affordable homes each year.
3. The M4Corridor Group, a sub-regional group of Local Authorities, is working to share good practice and resources and gain external resources through joint initiatives for the development of new affordable housing.
5. The Supporting People Team for Wiltshire works with partners to deliver housing support to vulnerable households in the district.
7. The District Council is working with its partners to ensure comprehensive, up to date housing needs information is available to enable appropriate targeting of resources.
9. The local Home Improvement Agency is working with the Council, Social Services and local Housing Associations to deliver grants, advice and assistance to enable vulnerable people, including older people, to remain in their own homes.
11. In partnership with local Housing Associations through the provision of grants and advice, the Council is working to bring empty properties in the district back into use.
13. Alternative housing options are being explored for those in housing need including improving access to private rented housing through initiatives such as a Rent Deposit Scheme.
15. North Wiltshire Affordable Housing Partnership is working to promote access to home ownership through low cost home ownership and shared ownership schemes.
17. In partnership with local authorities, the health service, social services and voluntary agencies, Westlea Housing Association is carrying out a complete strategic review of older persons housing and support services strategies.
19. Westlea Housing Association is working with local residents to set up a Design Panel to ensure the design of new affordable housing meets local expectations.
21. The local Planning Authority is developing policies in the emerging Local Plan to ensure the sustainability of all new developments including adequate access to transport, health and education services and other community infrastructure as well as promotion or maintenance of the quality of the natural and historic environment.