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News

CASH PRIZE TO ASSESS HOUSING NEED

An important survey of Poole residents begins at the end of April, in an effort to assess the Borough’s housing needs for the next 10 years. To encourage people to participate, all those who complete and return their questionnaires will be entered into a special draw for a £100 cash prize.

Questionnaires posted to a random sample of 7,700 households aim to inform Council planners about the extent and type of housing needed in Poole. The information will be used to develop and support the Council’s Housing Strategy, Local Plan and other Council-wide strategies.

Cllr Bob Williams, Executive Spokesperson for Environment and Prosperity, said: "I want to urge as many people as possible to complete their questionnaires. Research like this is an essential tool in the strategic planning process. The proposed new bridge and regeneration surrounding it, could bring the development of as many as 2000 new homes in Poole, in addition to opportunities for small businesses and commercial developments. This housing survey will help ensure Poole develops in a way which is in tune with the housing needs of its residents."

Information collected from the survey will also help underpin applications for Government funding, where a need for more affordable housing can be identified. The provision of more affordable housing is already one of the Borough’s top priorities. This year the Council will invest £2million in the development of housing for people who can not afford to buy their own homes.

Cllr Bob Williams said: "House prices in Poole rose by 71% between 1995 and 2000, compared with a 52% rise in the South West region as a whole. Price rises like these are way beyond the level of wage increases, leaving some sectors of our community priced out of the housing market. It is therefore vital that the Council continues to invest in affordable alternative housing."

The questionnaires will be sent to residents week beginning 30 April.

Andy Dobson, Research & Intelligence Team Leader