1. Introduction.
2. Executive Summary.
3. Background
4. Housing information.
5. Location and geographic extent of survey.
6. Methodology.
7. Responses.
8. Results from the questionnaire
   1. Section 1: Current Accommodation.
   2. Section 2: Affordable Housing.
   3. Section 3: Alternative Accommodation.
   4. Section 4: Additional Households.
   5. Section 5: People looking to move back into Rock parish.
   6. Section 6. Summary of homes required in the parish.
   7. Section 7: House Price, Availability and Analysis.
   8. Section 8: Community Led Housing Scheme and Self-Build.
   9. Section 9. Conclusion.
9. References.
10. Appendix One.
11. Appendix Two.
12. Appendix Three 

1. Introduction

1.1 Housing needs surveys are undertaken to identify the local housing needs of a parish and the type and mix of housing that may be appropriate to meet these needs.

1.2 A housing needs survey was carried out during August, September and October 2023 in Rock parish to establish what the expected housing requirements would be and to gain residents’ views for the Parish in the next 5-10 years.

1.3 Letters were circulated to all households in the parish inviting the residents or those with a local connection to the Parish to complete an online survey. The information gathered from the responses has been analysed and used to inform and complete this report.

1.4 Housing Need surveys are a useful ‘snapshot’ of the local housing need at a given point in time and can complement the existing housing information held by the Council. This survey will be a useful tool for the parish council in assessing local housing needs.

2. Executive Summary

2.1 The results of the housing needs survey are detailed further on in this report however in summary:

2.2 There were 91 households looking to move, find alternative housing or need additional homes within the next 10 years. Some households will be looking for more than one additional home. Of those that responded, 19 could have their housing need met by natural churn and an additional five could have their housing need met by what is currently available on the open market equalling 24 households in total. This is obviously subject to the property being suitable, becoming available at the right time and being affordable for the household in question.

2.3 Of the 91 mentioned above and considering the 24 whose needs could be met by the open market and natural churn, the results indicate that a total of 67 new homes would be needed to meet the demand.

2.4 Of the 67 households that responded confirming they have or will have a housing need within the next 10 years, the majority advised that they will require a 2-bedroom property, this was followed by a 3-bedroom property with the highest property type being a house followed by a bungalow.

2.5 At the time of writing this report (November 2023), 25 properties were for sale in Rock parish and one for rent, 5 of these properties met the property size, type and cost bracket as indicated by the of respondents in the survey.

2.6 Therefore, it can be shown that in the next 10 years, 67 homes will be required in Rock parish of which 55% households advised that they would want a 2-bedroom property and 25% would require a 3-bedroom property, 55% of the respondents advised they wanted a house followed by 22% wanting a bungalow. The highest need regarding tenure type is owner occupier at 82% followed by unknown 7% and social rented 6%. Table shown in 31.8.

2.7 Of the total households looking to rent a property (38) only 7 of these could afford the only available property for rent at the time of the survey. Of those looking to buy (80) only 12 could afford in excess of £500k which was the average available property price at the time on the survey.  It should be note that respondents could select both rent and buying options. Therefore, when we take into consideration property prices and household income these results indicate a need for low-cost home ownership products or other forms of affordable housing within the parish.

2.8 In terms of meeting local housing needs, which will be a requirement for any unallocated sites, if we consider the ability to afford the costs across the requirement for 67 units, the split is shown below. For sites of six of more units there will also be a requirement to meet the 25% affordable split across 65/35 rent to shared ownership.

Tenure	Number from survey	Percentage split
Owner occupiers	12 (assumption made that of the 82% looking to move into owner-occupied tenure also include the 12 who can afford property prices) and 2 unknowns also want to move to own their home	21%
Shared ownership	46 owner occupiers unable to afford open market prices and preference for shared ownership	68.5%
Social rented	5 (rounded up) please note this would increase to 65% of the affordable housing provision if the site is six or more units	7.5%
Private rented	2 private rented – assumption made both can afford local private rent levels	3%

 

3.Background

3.1 The 2021 Census advised that Rock parish had a population of 2,700, (49.9%) females and 50.1% males (ONS Census 2021 figures)

3.2 Table 1 below shows Rock parish population broken down as a percentage as well as a comparison against Wyre Forest local and national trends.

Table 1

Age Groups	Rock Parish (%)	Wyre Forest (%)	England (%)
15 & under	12%	15%	17%
16-64	56%	60%	65%
65+	32%	25%	18%

 

3.3 Rock has a lower proportion of all age groups under 64 in comparison to the district and national figures and a higher population of 65+ year olds in comparison to the district and national figures.

3.4 Table 2 below shows the comparison of the economic activity across the parish against local and national trends.

Table 2

Economic Activity	Rock Parish (%)	Wyre Forest (%)	England (%)
Economically Active in employment	50.5%	54%	57%
Economically active unemployed	2.1%	2.9%	3.5%
Economically inactive	47.5%	43%	39%

 

3.5 Rock parish has a lower percentage of residents in employment than the Wyre Forest district and nationally and almost equally has a higher percentage that is economically inactive compared to the Wyre Forest district and nationally.

3.6 Table 3 below shows the comparison of the type of dwellings in the Parish in comparison with the whole of Wyre Forest district and the England average.

Table 3

Proportion of dwellings by type	Rock Parish (%)	Wyre Forest (%)	England (%)
House or Bungalow	89.8%	85%	77%
Flat, maisonette or apartment	1.6%	13%	22%
Caravan	8.6%	2%	0.4%

 

3.7 Rock parish has a large proportion of houses and bungalows in comparison to national figures and a significantly lower number of flats, maisonettes and apartments compared to the Wyre Forest district and nationally.

3.8 Table 4 below shows the tenure types of accommodation and comparisons.

Table 4

Proportion of households by tenure	Rock Parish (%)	Wyre Forest (%)	England (%)
Owned Outright	58.6%	41%	33%
Owned with a mortgage or loan	28.5%	29%	29%
Social Rented	5.35	14%	17%
Private Rented	7.6%	16%	21%

Figures for tables 1-4 provided by the 2021 census, ONS Crown Copyright

3.9 The amount of people owning outright in Rock parish is higher than the district and national figures. The parish also has a lower percentage of residents who are renting privately or socially compared to the Wyre Forest district and national percentages.

4. Housing information

4.1 The number of people on housing registers for affordable homes in England has soared, in 2022 there were 1,206,376 households on social housing registers in England, this is an increase of 5% since 2020 when there were 1,145,132 households on social housing registers (Shelter). Waiting lists have grown substantially over the last 5 years, currently there are just under 3000 on Wyre Forests District Councils housing register for social housing compared to data from 2019/20 showing just over 2000.

5. Location and geographic extent of survey

5.1 Rock is a village in Wyre Forest District of Worcestershire which lies south-west of Bewdley. Its current population is 2,700 (ONS Census 2021).  

A Map of Rock Parish.

6. Methodology

6.1 Wyre Forest District Council conducted the survey to establish the housing requirements for Rock parish over the next 10 years. The survey ran for 11 weeks commencing on the 14th of August and ending on 27th October 2023. All households in Rock parish received a letter inviting them to complete the questionnaire online or to contact Wyre Forest District Council directly to complete the survey over the phone or request a paper copy to be sent to them directly. Households were also invited to attend any one of the 6 drop-in session that had been arranged in Rock parish where they could get further information regarding the survey and complete the questionnaire. Altogether 1208 letters were posted, and officers of Wyre Forest District Council worked in partnership with parish council to encourage residents to take part in the survey.

6.2 A further 22 letters were sent to applicants on Wyre Forest District Council’s housing waiting list, Home Choice Plus, these applicants had indicated a preference to live in Rock parish and had a local connection to the parish.

6.3 The aim of the survey is to establish:

• The mix of housing need in the parish.
• The type of connection the household had with the parish.
• The maximum price range the household could afford, if looking to buy a property
• The maximum monthly rent the household could afford, if looking to move from existing property
• The tenure type (open market, subsidized, social rented or shared ownership)
• The size of the property and need by population (families, single people or older households)

6.4 The survey also gathered information from households that are likely to be subject to change in the next 5 -10 years, for example children looking to move out of the current family home but stay within the parish, this was open to anyone who had moved out of the parish and was looking to move back into the area.

7. Responses

7.1 A total of 1230 letters were distributed, and 168 responses were received, giving a return rate of 13.6%. It should be noted that generally only those people who have a housing need or are interested in a local needs development and parish life are likely to respond and so this is considered a statistically valid response rate.

8.Results from the questionnaire

Section 1: Current Accommodation

This section of the survey asked householders about their current accommodation and if they have/are working in the parish. It also asked if they have family in the parish and any other strong local connections.

Q1. Do you currently live…?

Figure 1 Do you currently..?

1.1 In total 168 respondents answered this question. It should be noted that respondents can give multiple answers to this question, 90% (151) selected that they live in the parish, 14% (24) have relatives living in Rock, 7% (12) having a strong local connection to the parish, 8% (14) work in Rock, and 6% (10) indicated they had lived in Rock parish before.

1.2 The average length of time respondents have lived in Rock parish is 21 years, with answers ranging from as little as one year or less increasing to as many as 91 years.

1.3 Of the 14 respondents who indicated that they work in Rock parish, the average length of time working was 16 years, ranging from 3 years to 35 years.

1.4 24 people advised that they have relatives in Rock parish, the average length of time was 80 years, with a range from 4 years to 950 years.

1.5 A total of 10 respondents answered that they had previously lived in Rock parish and 9 of these 10 were looking to return. An additional four were also looking at returning that had a strong local connection for example have been working there or have relatives in the area. The average time households had previously lived in Rock parish was 9 years.

1.6 We received 12 responses who indicated a strong local connection, these connections varied from working in Rock parish and have several businesses, family connections, children attending and have attended the local school.

 

Q2. Including yourself, how many people are there in your household?

Figure 2 - Including yourself, how many people are there in your household?

2.1 Out of the 134 people who responded to this question, 20 respondents identified they have one or more children living at home. The household make up identified 293 adults and 39 children, 114 stated they do not have any children living at home.

Q3. What type of property do you currently live in?

Figure 3 - What type of property do you currently live in?

3.1 Of the 136 who responded to this question most households currently live in a detached house 78 (57%) followed by a semi-detached bungalow 18% (25). This shows the data collected by the Census 2021 in table 3 page 4 to corroborate with the findings in this question, there is a significantly higher number of residents living in a house and/or bungalow compared to flats/apartments and mobile homes.

Q4. How many bedrooms does your home have?

Figure 4 – How many bedrooms does your home have?

4.1 There were 136 respondents who answered this question, analysis of the answers shows that 38% (52) have three bedrooms and 37% (51) have four-bedroom properties, these were amongst the most common property types with five bedrooms 9% (12) and one bedroom 3% (4) being the least common.

4.2 Census 2021 data shows us that 37% and 38% of homes in Rock parish are 3 and 4-bedroom properties, which again supports the results collected above. The Census 2021 data also told us that 22% of properties are 2 bed and 4% are 1 bed. The data above indicates there was a higher percentage of people responding to the survey who lived in in 3 and 4-bedroom properties than 2 and 5-bedroom properties.

Q5. Is your home…?

5.1 This question looked at the tenure of the respondent’s current property. In total 136 households answered this question, the majority were owner occupier who either owned their property outright 68% (93) or had a mortgage 24% (33) this was followed by 4% (6) privately renting. The census 2021 data mirrored this outcome.

Figure 5 - Tenure of property

Q6. Has anyone from your family moved away from Rock parish in the last 5 years?

Figure 6 - Has anyone from your family moved away from Bewdley in the last 5 years?

6.1 Out of the 140 who answered this question, 79% (110) stated ‘No’ a family member had not previously moved out of Rock parish and 21% (30) said ‘Yes’ family members have moved out of their house, the graph (Q7) below shows the breakdown of reasons why.

Q7. Details of their reason for leaving

Figure 7 - Details of household members' reasons for leaving

7.1 Out of the 30 respondents stating ‘Yes’, a family member had moved out of Rock parish, 14 specified reasons such as taking up employment elsewhere (47%), and lack of affordable housing (20%). With the next biggest reason of lack of suitable housing (17%) and one respondent leaving it blank (3%).

Section 2: Affordable Housing

This section asked the respondents to give us their views whether they believed there was adequate affordable housing and facilities within the parish.

Q8. Do you feel that Rock parish has a suitable range of housing for the current community and the people who would like to live there?

Figure 8 - Do you feel that the parish has a suitable range of housing for the current community and the people who would like to live there?

8.1 We received 140 responses to this question with 44% (62) agreeing there is a suitable range of housing for the current community and 45% (63) specifying ‘No’ there is not a suitable range of housing and 11% (15) specifying ‘don’t know’.

8.2 As indicated above we received 44% of respondents agreeing that there was a suitable range of housing with the most common answers being ‘no more houses needed and it would spoil the area’, whilst 45% expressed there was not enough affordable housing in the parish. Please see below examples of responses:

‘The parish is occupied by retired people and commuters, the housing provision reflects this population.’

‘Not enough or affordable housing for you people starting out on the housing ladder.’

‘It has all the right levels of accommodation for the people who live here and for people who would like to live in a more rural environment.’

‘There is a limited supply for young people that have lived their entire lives in the parish…’

‘There appears to be enough houses in the village to meet needs without more being built, most probably on greenbelt land. This would destroy the character of the village.’

‘A lack of decent quality bungalows for elder residents and family homes for those with children…’

Q9. Do you feel that Rock parish has adequate facilities e.g., public transport for the current community and the people who would like to live there?

Figure 9 - Do you feel that the parish has adequate facilities e.g., public transport for the current community and the people who would like to live there?

9.1 We received 140 responses regarding the current facilities in the parish, 43% felt there were already adequate facilities and 50% felt there was not. 7% were unsure.

9.2 We asked respondents to expand on the reasons for their answers. The most common answer was that Rock parish has an inadequate bus service and there needs to be better transport infrastructure. Public transport seemed to be the biggest issue followed by more shops being required. Respondents also commented that there was a lack of footpaths and cycle lanes.

9.3 Below are some comments that we received.

‘People who live in the parish needs cars to access services and accept that need as part of living here.’

‘2 hourly bus service is not acceptable for someone in full time employment.’

‘The current rural character of the area is rightly served by farm shops and nearby convenience stores within walking or short bus routes.’

‘Inadequate public transport/bus stops, zero cycle lanes to make it safer to cycle along the A456 to access the local school and shop…’

‘It is a rural community. I would not expect it to have to have an abundance of facilities.’

‘We need to increase in public transport and facilities.’

 

Q10. To what degree would you support a development of new affordable housing for rent/shared ownership within your parish for people with a local connection?

Figure 10 - To what degree would you support a development of new affordable housing for rent/shared ownership within your parish for people with a local connection?

10.1 We received 140 responses to this question with 31% (43) strongly opposing the development of new affordable housing in the parish and 21% (30) strongly supporting. If combining the results of oppose and support with strongly oppose and strongly support, we find that 41% strongly oppose/oppose and 39% strongly support/support with 21% (29) neither support nor oppose.

10.2 There were 98 comments received, here are some examples below.

‘It would depend on the amount of homes, and how they would fit in to the landscape…’

‘There is already sufficient affordable housing the parish.’

‘People with local connections should be able to live locally.’

‘…any housing development in the village would destroy its character.’

‘I want to stay here all my life, which is why I want it to develop.’

‘I want to keep Rock Parish a rural farming community NOT turned in to a town, there isn’t the infrastructure for further development…’

Q11. Are any of your household registered with Wyre Forest District Council on the home Choice Plus Housing Register for either social housing or shared ownership housing?

Figure 11 - Are any of your household registered with Wyre Forest District Council on the home Choice Plus Housing Register for either social housing or shared ownership housing?

11.1 We received 139 responses to this question with 97% (135) stating no and 3% (4) stating yes.

Section 3: Alternative Accommodation

This section of the survey asked householders if they were likely to move home now or within the next 10 years, if they indicated that they would be looking for alternative accommodation then further questions about the type of property they would prefer to move to, the tenure type and the affordability. The responses to these questions are used to inform future housing needs in Rock parish.

Q12. Are you, the householder, looking to move into alternative accommodation within the parish in the next 10 years?

Figure 12 – Are you, the householder, looking to move into alternative accommodation within the parish I the next 10 years?

12.1 Out of the 135 respondents 79% (106) answered ‘No’ they were not looking for alternative accommodation within the parish in the next 10 years and 21% (29) answered ‘Yes’.

12.2 The tables in appendix one show the respondents current living arrangements. The size and tenure of the alternative accommodation they will need broken down into 12 months, 13 months to 5 years and 5 to 10 years.

Q13 When would you, the householder, expect to move? If looking for alternative accommodation

13.1 In total 29 respondents indicated they would require a home in Rock parish within the next 10 years.  

13.2 Of the 29, 14% of households who responded advised they would be looking to move within the next 12 months, 41% will be looking to move in the next 13 months to five years and 45% within the next five to 10 years.

Q14 What type of accommodation would you prefer?

14.1 Of the 29 respondents who indicated the accommodation type they would prefer the majority would like a detached house (41%) or a detached bungalow (38%).

Q15 How many bedrooms would you require?

15.1 Results show the highest demand was for 2-bedroom properties at 52%, followed by three-bedroom properties (38%), dropping to 7% for four-bedroom properties. Bedroom need was two at (52%) or three (38%) bedroom properties, with the next highest demand of four bedrooms (7%).

Q16. Why does your household need to move?

Figure 16 - Why does your household need to move?

16.1 Out of the 29 respondents, 62% (18) were looking for smaller accommodation and 7% (2) were looking to move from a house to a bungalow. Larger accommodation was required by 7% (2). Of the 29, 24% (7) respondents did not answer.  

Q17. Would you expect to be…?

Figure 17 – Would you expect to be…?

 

17.1 Out of the 29 respondents, most expect to be owner occupiers 90 (26), 7% indicating they would like to rent from a housing association, 3% wanted a shared ownership property from the housing association, 0% would like to privately rent.

17.2 When questioned on how much the householder would be able to afford if renting an alternative property, 8 respondents answered this question. Of those 38% indicated they could afford up to £500 per calendar month and 25% indicated they could afford between £801 to £900 per calendar month. Current rental values in the area are in the range of £950 per calendar month for a 2-bedroom property. (Rightmove November 2023) At the time of writing this report, there was only 1 property to rent in Rock parish based on this only 13% would be able to afford to privately rent, indicating a need for lower cost homes for alternative accommodation for renting.

Figure 17.2 – How much would you be able to afford if renting?

17.3 When questioned on how much the householder would be able to afford if purchasing an alternative property, 27 respondents answered this question 26% indicating they could afford between £300,001 to £350,000, 22% indicated that they could afford between £450,001 to £500,000. The average sale price in Rock parish during November 2023 was £556,156 (Rightmove November 2023). Based on the responses received this would indicate that 11% could afford the average sale price and shows there is demand for more low-cost home ownership options needed for alternative accommodation. 

Figure 17.3 – How much would you be able to afford if purchasing?

 

17.4 Out of 29 respondents who answered the question regarding alternative accommodation, 3% (1) did not answer any question regarding renting or buying.

Section 4: Additional Households

This section asked the respondents if any current members of their household would be planning to move within the next 10 years to create a new separate household within the parish. If they indicated ‘Yes’ then we asked them for more information including the property type that they would prefer, the tenure type and the affordability.

Q18. Is anyone looking to move out of your home into a new household within the parish in the next 10 years?

Figure 18. Is anyone looking to move out of your home into a new household within the parish in the next 10 years?

18.1 A total of 18% (31) respondents indicated that members of their current household will be looking for an additional home(s) within the next 10 years, 65% (113) indicated ‘No’. 14% (24) did not answer this question.

18.2 How many current household members wish to form a new household inside the parish within the next 10 years?

Figure 18.2 - How many current household members wish to form a new household inside the parish within the next 10 years?

18.3 Of the 31 respondents the majority required one additional home 39% (12), followed by 35% (11) who needed two additional homes. 3% of respondents did not answer. This question gave the respondent six opportunities to indicate the number of additional households required allowing the survey to take into account multiple additional households from one original household. Therefore, of the 31 respondents who did answer, the survey shows that 49 additional homes are required.

19. When would the new householder, expect to move?

19.1 Of the 31 respondents that said ‘Yes’ they would need additional housing, 49 family members indicated they would require a home in rock parish within the next 10 years as 4 did not answer any further questions.

19.2 12% of households who responded advised they would be looking to move within the next 12 months, 37% will be looking to move in the next 13 months to five years and 51% within the next five to 10 years.

20. What type of accommodation would you prefer?

20.1 Of the 49 that answered, the majority would prefer a house 76% or a flat 10% and a bungalow at 4%.

21. How many bedrooms would you require?

21.1 The highest demand was for 2-bedroom properties at 45%, followed by three bedroom properties at 31%, dropping to 14% for four-bedroom properties.

 

22. Why will the new household be created?

Figure 22 – Why will the new household be created?

22.1 Out of the 49 who answered 76% (37) were looking for independent accommodation and 22% (11) wanting to return to the parish.

23. What type of tenure would be preferred for the new household…?

Figure 23 – What kind of tenure would be preferred for the new household…?

 

23.1 Out of the 49 answers received, most expect to be owner occupiers 90% (44), whilst 2% (1) indicated they would want to rent from a housing association and 4% (2) would prefer to rent privately. 4% (2) did not answer.

23.2 When questioned on how much the new householder would be able to afford if renting an additional property 42% indicated they could afford between £501 to £600 per calendar month and 27% indicated they could afford between £601 to £700 per calendar month. Of the 26 answers 15% (4) indicated that they could afford between £701 to £800 per calendar month, 4 % (1) advised they could afford between £801 to 900 per calendar month and 12% (3) advised they could afford more than £901 per calendar month. At the time of writing this report, there was only 1 property to rent in Rock parish (£950pcm as of November 2023), only a possible 12% could afford to rent on the current open market when looking for additional properties.

Figure 23.2 – How much would you be able to afford if renting?

23.3 When questioned on how much the new householder would be able to afford if purchasing an additional property, 40% (18) indicated they could afford £150,001 to £200,000. With the next highest being 23% (10) indicating that they could afford from £90,001 to over £150,000.

Figure 23.3 – How much would you be able to afford if purchasing?

*SO = Shared ownership

23.4 Research shows properties in Rock parish had an average sale price of £556,156 during November 2023 (Rightmove November 2023). The majority of properties sold were detached with an average price of £745,077, semi-detached properties sell for an average of £273,571 and the average price for a terraced property was £216,300 (Rightmove April 2023) From the answers given a possible 14% out of the 49 could afford the average sale price indicating a demand for more low-cost home ownership options is needed for additional accommodation. 

Section 5: People looking to move back into Rock parish

This section asked the respondents if they had a local connection to Rock parish for example work, had relatives or had previously lived there and what was their preferred property type, bedroom need and tenure.

Q24. Are you looking at moving into Rock parish in the next 10 years?

Figure 24 – Are you looking at moving into Rock parish in the next 10 years?

*OOA = Out of area.

24.1 We received 13 responses to this question who indicated they would like to return to Rock parish. The tables below detail within what time period they would wish to return, their preferred property type, bedroom capacity and tenure type would be.

24.2 Additional homes needed in the next 12 months for people returning to Rock parish.

Preferred Property Type	Preferred Property Size	Preferred Tenure Type
Detached bungalow	2 beds	Owned
Did not answer	Did not answer	Did not answer

 

24.3 Additional properties needed in the next 13 months to 5 years for people returning to Rock parish.

Preferred Property Type	Preferred Property Size	Preferred Tenure Type
Terraced house	2 beds	Mortgaged
Detached bungalow	3 beds	Owned
Did not answer	Did not answer	Did not answer
Did not answer	Did not answer	Did not answer
Detached house	4 beds	Mortgaged
Detached bungalow	4 beds	Owned
Detached bungalow	3 beds	Owned
Other	4 beds	Owned
Detached house	3 beds	Social Rent
Detached house	4 beds	Owned

 

24.4 Additional properties needed in the next 5 to 10 years for people returning to Rock parish.

Preferred Property Type	Preferred Property Size	Preferred Tenure Type
Detached house	4 beds	Mortgaged

 

25. Are you looking to move into Rock parish in the next 10 years?

25.1 13 respondents indicated they would require a home in Rock parish within the next 10 years. 

25.2 Of these 15% of households who responded advised they would be looking to move within the next 12 months, 77% will be looking to move in the next 13 months to five years and 8% within the next five to 10 years.

26. What type of accommodation would you prefer?

26.1 Of the 13 respondents 38% would prefer a house and 31% required a bungalow.  

27. How many bedrooms would you require?

27.1 The highest bedroom requirement was for four at (31%) followed by three-bedroom properties (23%), with the next highest demand of two bedrooms (15%).

28. Why does your household need to move?

Figure 28 - Why does your household need to move?

28.1 Out of the 13 respondents who answered this question, 8% (1) were looking for smaller accommodation and 23% (3) were looking to move from a house to a bungalow, 23% (3) were looking for larger accommodation. With 8% (1) moving due to employment and 38% (5) did not answer.

29. Would you expect to be…?

Figure 29 – Would you expect to be…?

29.1 Out of the 13 respondents who answered this question, most expect to be owner occupiers (69%), 8% were expecting to be renting from a housing association, and 23% did not answer.

29.2 When questioned on how much the householder would be able to afford if renting either socially or privately in Rock parish, 25% indicated they could afford £501 – £600 a month, 75% could afford over £900. It should be noted that some respondents answered both renting and buying affordability questions and did not state the type of tenure they would be looking for. At the time of writing this report, there was only 1 property to rent in Rock parish at £950 per calendar month, this means renting on the open market would be accessible to the 75% that answered they could afford over £900 when moving back.

Figure 29.2 – How much would you be able to afford if renting?

29.3 When questioned on how much the householder would be able to afford if purchasing accommodation, 22% (2) indicated they could afford up to £350,001-£400,000 and 33% (3) indicating they could afford over £500,000. There was then an equal split over pricing brackets £90-001 - £150,000, 200,001 - £250,000, £250,001 - £300,00 and £400,001 - £450,000. With the average sale price on the open market currently (November 2023) £556,156 in Rock parish, this would indicate only a possible 33% could afford properties on the open market for people returning to Rock parish i.e., those who indicated they could afford over £500,000 and above.

Figure 29.3 – How much would you be able to afford if purchasing?

29.4 Out of 13 respondents, 31% (4) did not answer this question relating to whether they wanted to rent or purchase a property.  

 

Section 6. Summary of homes required in the parish

30.1 Further research into the responses received has shown that if we cross match the homes that in theory will be vacated to those that will be required for alternative, additional or people moving back to Rock parish with a local connection, the result will be the following housing need:

12 months

Figure 30.2 – Breakdown of housing need in the next 12 months

30.2 Therefore, the demand in Rock parish for the next 12 months is 12 homes.

30.3 The largest need regarding the number of bedrooms required by a large proportion is 3 bedrooms with 50% of the demand, followed by 2 bedrooms with 42% with one respondent’s answer being unknown in the next 12 months.

30.4 The highest need regarding property types is houses with 58% followed by bungalow with 17% and mobile home with 8% in the next 12 months.

30.5 The highest need regarding tenure type is owner occupier with 83% in the next 12 months.

13 months to 5 years

Figure 30.6 – Breakdown of housing need in the next 13 months to 5 years.

 

30.6 Therefore, the demand in Rock parish in the next 13 months to 5 years is 31 homes.

30.7 The largest need regarding the number of bedrooms required is 2 bedrooms with 42% of the demand, followed by 3 bedrooms with 19% with the lowest being one and four bedrooms at 13% each in the next 13 months to five years.

30.8 The highest need regarding property types is houses with 45% followed equally by flats/apartments with 19% and bungalows with 9% in the next 13 months to five years.

30.9 The highest need regarding tenure type is owner occupier with 74% followed by unknown at 13% due to no answers given and social rent at 10%, in the next 13 months to five years.

5 – 10 years

Figure 30.10 – Breakdown of the housing need in the next 5 to 10 years.

 

30.10 Therefore, the demand in Rock parish in the next 5 years to 10 years is 29 homes.

30.11 The largest need regarding the number of bedrooms required by a large proportion is 2 bedrooms with 69% of the demand, followed by 3 bedrooms with 24% with the lowest being one bedroom 3% in the next five to 10 years.

30.12 The highest need regarding property types is houses with 45% followed by bungalows with 24% and flats/apartments with 7%.

30.13 The highest need regarding tenure type is owner occupier with 93% followed by private rent at 7% in the next 13 months to five years.

30.14 The table below shows a breakdown of dwellings required in the next 10 years.

Total dwellings needed.

Table 1 – Dwellings required in the next 10 years.

Figure 30.15 - Breakdown of the housing need in the next 10 years.

30.15 Therefore after natural churn, the demand in Rock parish in the next 10 years is 72 homes.

30.16 The largest need regarding the number of bedrooms required by a large proportion 2 bedrooms with 53% of the demand, followed by 3 bedrooms with 29% with the next lowest being four bedrooms at 6%.

30.17 The highest need regarding property types is houses with 68% followed by bungalow with 21% and flats/apartments with 11%.

30.18 The highest need regarding tenure type is owner occupier with 83% followed by social rent 6% and private rent at 3%. Unknown due to no answers being given is at 7%

Section 7: House Price, Availability and Analysis

This section breaks down what respondents are willing to pay and what properties are currently available within the parish.

31. House prices

31.1 Respondents who have indicated that they have a housing need in the next 10 years were asked how much they felt they would be willing to pay if either renting or purchasing a property.

31.2 There were 38 responses who advised they would be looking to rent with the largest affordability range of £501-£600 per calendar month (34%). The table shows a breakdown of affordability in renting and combines residents who are looking for alternative or additional accommodation and people with a local connection who want to return to Rock parish.

Figure 31.2 – Affordability range for renting in the next 10 years

31.3 In terms of purchasing a property, the highest response rate in the affordability category for alternative or additional accommodation and people with a local connection who want to return to Rock parish was £150,001 - £200,000 with 24% of the responses followed by £90,001 - £150,000 at 16% and over £500,000 at 15%. The table below shows a breakdown of affordability for purchasing.

Figure 31.3 – Affordability range for purchasing a property in the next 10 years.

 

31.4 Research on Rightmove indicates that as of November 2023 there were 25 properties for sale in Rock parish and one property to rent, five of the properties advertised for sale fall within the requirements specified in the responses received. Of the current advertised properties two would be suitable for respondents in the next 12 months, an additional one of these properties would be suitable in the next 13 months to 5 years and an additional two of these properties would be suitable in the next five to 10 years. Out of the one property currently for rent in Rock parish, we were unable to match any respondents’ answers (Figures from Rightmove). Table below in 31.8

31.5 This indicated there is some disparity between what people could afford to purchase in Rock parish and what is available, this is not uncommon and would indicate a need for a greater number of smaller homes and other affordable forms of housing.

31.6 The map shows the properties for sale in Rock parish November 2023.

Figure 31.6 – Properties currently for sale on Rightmove in Rock parish.

31.7 Appendix three shows a breakdown of the properties for sale and asking price currently on Rightmove November 2023.

31.8 After removing the 5 properties that are available on the open market which meet the criteria needed, the table below shows a housing need of 67.

Figure 31.8- Breakdown of the housing need in the next 10 years.

31.9 Therefore after natural churn and open market criteria being met, the demand in Rock parish in the next 10 years is 67 homes.

31.10 The largest need regarding the number of bedrooms required by a large proportion 2 bedrooms with 55% of the demand, followed by 3 bedrooms with 25% with the next lowest being one bedroom at 9%.

31.11 The highest need regarding property types is houses with 55% followed by bungalow with 22% and flats/apartments with 12%.

31.12 The highest need regarding tenure type is owner occupier with 82% followed by social rent 6% and private rent at 3%. Unknown due to no answers being given is at 7%.

Section 8: Community Led Housing Scheme and Self-Build

This section addresses if respondents would be interested in taking a role in community led housing schemes or have an interest in a self-build project.

32. Would you be interested in taking a role in a community led housing scheme in Rock parish?

Figure 32 – Would you be interested in taking a role in a community led housing scheme in Rock parish.

32.1 137 respondents answered this question with the majority of 86% (118) advising No and 14% (19) answering Yes.

33. Would you be interested in a self-build project or having a custom build house in Rock parish?

Figure 33 – Would you be interested in a self-build project or having a custom build house in Rock parish.

33.1 139 respondents answered with the majority 68% (95) not interested in a self-build project and 32% (44) who would be in favour of having a custom build house in the parish.

 

Section 9. Conclusion

34.1 Taking into consideration the breadth of the survey and the range of responses received, there is statistically significant sets of data generated to enable us to evaluate the information and draw conclusions. There was overall response rate of 13.6% achieved.

34.2 Of the 91 responses received who indicated they wanted to move or required additional or alternative accommodation, the demand was as follows: - 29 would like alternative accommodation, 31 responses indicated that 49 additional properties would be required and 13 wanting to move back to Rock parish with a local connection, residents indicated they would be looking to move or need additional/alternative homes within the next 10 years.

34.3 The survey is also representative of a diverse cross section of the local community, including young people, single people, families and older households. Of note there is a higher response rate by households that include single and couples accommodating larger properties (3 bedroom plus) looking to move to bungalows or smaller accommodation 70% (20). This should be of note when identifying housing need for Rock parish.

34.4 Of the 91 responses who indicated they wanted to move, 19 could potentially have their accommodation needs met by natural churn. Those that required additional accommodation, five could have their needs met from properties currently on the open market, equalling 24 in total. However, it must be noted that not all those whose housing needs can be met with natural churn will be able to afford the properties on the open market or that the properties available will be of a desired size, therefore it is evident that the need for new affordable housing will become greater especially for low-cost home ownership products. Therefore, the survey shows that a minimum of 67 additional homes will be required in Rock parish over the next 10 years.

34.5 The findings of the Housing Needs Survey support development opportunities that should arise. This survey clearly indicated that any development sites or new build accommodation they must include low-cost home ownership and affordable housing for rent of shared ownership (or other types of low-cost) homes.

34.6 Accommodation should be a mix of smaller sized properties, with a high need in houses and bungalows at 75% (50), 52% (35) advised that they would want a 2-bedrooms property and 27% (18) require a 3-bedroom property, 55% (37) of the respondents of the survey advised they wanted a house followed by 19% (13) indicated they wanted a bungalow. This shows that there is a need for housing growth beyond the current site allocations. The affordable housing should meet the requirements of the Council’s local connection in line with the allocations policy.

35.6 As affordability remains an issue, to meet the requirements in the Local Plan policies, the tenure split to meet local housing needs we would expect the greatest demand to be for low cost home ownership, followed by owner-occupation and social rent on sites less than six units. Six units or more will also need to consider affordable housing needs.

References

 

Rightmove www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/find.html?locationIdentifier=REGION%5E70216&propertyTypes=&includeSSTC=false&mustHave=&dontShow=&furnishTypes=&keywords= accessed 08/11/2023

Census 2021 data www.ons.gov.uk/visualisations/customprofiles/build/ accessed 08/11/2023

Waiting list data – Shelter –www.england.shelter.org.uk/media/press_release/14000_social_homes_lost_last_year_as_over_a_million_households_sit_on_waiting_lists#:~:text=In%202022%20there%20were1%2C206%2C376,lettings%20and%20tenancies%2C%20Table%2060 accessed 08/11/2023

 

Appendix One

Current and future homes in the next 12 months

Current and future homes in the next 12 months

Current Property Type	Current Property Size	Current Property Tenure	Preferred Home Type	Preferred Tenure Type	Bedrooms Required
Detached house	2 beds	Private rent	Detached house	3 beds	Social rent
Semi-detached house	4 beds	Owned	Mobile home	2 beds	Owned
Detached bungalow	3 beds	Owned	Detached bungalow	2 beds	Owned
Detached house	4 beds	Owned	Detached house	3 beds	Owned

 

Alternative accommodation need in 13 months to 5 years

Alternative accommodation need in 13 months to 5 years

Current Property Type	Current Property Size	Current Property Tenure	Preferred Home Type	Preferred Tenure Type	Bedrooms Required
Detached house	4 beds	Mortgaged	Detached house	2 beds	Mortgaged
Detached bungalow	3 beds	Owned	Flat/apartment	2 beds	Owned
Terraced house	3 beds	Social rent	Terraced house	4 beds	Social rent
Detached house	5+ beds	Owned	Detached house	3 beds	Owned
Detached house	3 beds	Owned	Detached bungalow	3 beds	Owned
Detached bungalow	3 beds	Owned	Flat/apartment	2 beds	Owned
Detached house	4 beds	Owned	Detached bungalow	2 beds	Owned
Detached house	4 beds	Owned	Detached house	3 beds	Owned
Mobile home	2 beds	Owned	Flat/apartment	1 bed	Owned
Detached house	2 beds	Owned	Detached house	2 beds	Owned
Detached house	4 beds	Owned	Detached bungalow	4 beds	Owned
Semi-detached house	3 beds	Mortgaged	Detached bungalow	2 beds	Shared Ownership

 

Alternative accommodation need in 5 to 10 years

Alternative accommodation need in 5 to 10 years

Current Property Type	Current Property Size	Current Property Tenure	Preferred Home Type	Preferred Tenure Type	Bedrooms Required
Detached house	4 beds	Mortgaged	Semi-detached bungalow	2 beds	Owned
Detached house	4 beds	Owned	Detached house	3 beds	Owned
Detached house	3 beds	Owned	Detached bungalow	2 beds	Owned
Detached bungalow	3 beds	Owned	Detached bungalow	2 beds	Owned
Detached house	4 beds	Mortgaged	Detached bungalow	3 beds	Owned
Detached house	4 beds	Owned	Detached bungalow	2 beds	Owned
Detached house	4 beds	Mortgaged	Detached bungalow	2 beds	Owned
Detached house	4 beds	Mortgaged	Detached house	3 beds	Owned
Terraced house	3 beds	Owned	Detached house	3 beds	Owned
Other	3 beds	Owned	Detached house	3 beds	Owned
Detached house	3 beds	Owned	Detached bungalow	2 beds	Owned
Semi-detached house	3 beds	Owned	Detached house	3 beds	Owned
Detached house	5+ beds	Owned	Detached house	2 beds	Owned

 

 

 

Appendix Two

Additional homes in the next 12 months

Additional homes in the next 12 months

Preferred Property Type	Preferred Property Size	Preferred Tenure Type
Detached house	3 beds	Mortgaged
Semi-detached house	2 beds	Mortgaged
Semi-detached house	3 beds	Mortgaged
Other	2 beds	Mortgaged
Detached house	3 beds	Mortgaged
Semi-detached house	3 beds	Mortgaged

 

Additional homes in 13 months to 5 years

Additional homes in 13 months to 5 years

Preferred Property Type	Preferred Property Size	Preferred Tenure Type
Semi-detached house	2 beds	Mortgaged
Flat/apartment	1 bed	Social rent
Terraced house (including end terrace)	2 beds	Mortgaged
Terraced house (including end terrace)	2 beds	Mortgaged
Terraced house (including end terrace)	2 beds	Mortgaged
Semi-detached house	2 beds	Mortgaged
Semi-detached house	3 beds	Owned
Flat/apartment	1 bed	Owned
Detached house	3 beds	Owned
Detached bungalow	2 beds	Mortgaged
Detached house	4 beds	Mortgaged
Terraced house (including end terrace)	2 beds	Mortgaged
Other	3 beds	Blank
Flat/apartment	1 bed	Owned
Detached house	4 beds	Mortgaged
Detached house	3 beds	Mortgaged
Other	3 beds	Blank
Detached house	3 beds	Mortgaged

 

Additional homes needed in 5 - 10 years

Additional homes needed in 5 - 10 years

Preferred Property Type	Preferred Property Size	Preferred Tenure Type
Detached bungalow	2 beds	Owned
Semi-detached house	2 beds	Mortgaged
Flat/apartment	2 beds	Mortgaged
Detached house	2 beds	Mortgaged
Detached house	4 beds	Mortgaged
Detached house	4 beds	Mortgaged
Semi-detached house	1 bed	Private rent
Detached house	3 beds	Owned
Other	3 beds	Mortgaged
Detached house	3 beds	Owned
Detached house	3 beds	Owned
Semi-detached house	2 beds	Mortgaged
Semi-detached house	2 beds	Mortgaged
Terraced house (including end terrace)	2 beds	Mortgaged
Semi-detached house	2 beds	Mortgaged
Semi-detached house	2 beds	Mortgaged
Flat/apartment	2 beds	Mortgaged
Detached house	3 beds	Mortgaged
Detached house	4 beds	Mortgaged
Detached house	4 beds	Mortgaged
Semi-detached house	1 bed	Private rent
Semi-detached house	2 beds	Mortgaged
Detached house	4 beds	Mortgaged
Detached house	2 beds	Mortgaged
Semi-detached house	2 beds	Mortgaged

 

 

 

Appendix Three

Details of properties for sale / rent

Details of properties for sale / rent

Property for sale/rent	Price
4 Bed Detached House	£1,200,000
5 Bed Detached House	£1,000,000
3 Bed Detached House	£995,000
3 Bed Detached House	£900,000
3 Bed Detached House	£860,000
4 Bed Detached House	£850,000
4 Bed Detached House	£795,000
5 Bed Detached House	£750,000
4 Bed Detached House	£625,000
5 Bed Detached House	£550,000
4 Bed Detached House	£499,950
4 Bed Detached House	£489,000
4 Bed Detached House	£445,000
3 Bed Detached Bungalow	£440,000
3 Bed Detached Bungalow	£435,000
4 Bed Detached House	£430,000
3 Bed Detached Bungalow	£420,000
3 Bed Detached House	£350,000
3 Bed Detached Bungalow	£350,000
3 Bed Semi-Detached House	£350,000
3 Bed Detached Bungalow	£300,000
3 Bed Terraced House	£280,000
2 Bed Semi-Detached House	£250,000
2 Bed Park Home	£190,000
3 Bed Park Home	£149,950
2 Bed Detached Bungalow	£950PCM