Strategic Housing Market Assessment - North Devon District Council

SHMA: Torridge and North Devon Update
7.6 However, it is essential not to lose sight of the requirements of families,
especially those dependent on lower incomes. There is clear evidence in
terms of supply and affordability that local families are at a serious
disadvantage in the housing market and that supply needs to be increased to
meet their needs.
The growth in the older population
7.7 The greatest challenge facing the housing market arises from the dramatic
increase in the size of the older population and in the number of older
households which have a number of related implications:
1. Most older households already live in the area in family housing but, as
health and mobility are impaired with age, many older people will find
that their homes and/or their location are increasingly unsuitable. This
creates the dilemma for many older people of either staying put and
being supported in their existing homes - which is the principle
informing heath and social care - or moving to a more suitable or
suitably located including downsizing.
2. The decision to stay or move will be determined by a combination of
personal choice and the viability and practicality of providing homebased
care and support, especially in dispersed rural areas. However,
if older households do not move and downsize, a growing number of
older households will under-occupy existing housing and this will have
the effect of ‘home blocking’ family housing. In such a situation,
replacement family housing will be required to ensure that the current
supply of this type is maintained.
3. If housing more suitable to meeting the requirements of older
households is provided, it will have to be of the right type and quality in
the right locations, for example providing 2 bedroomed bungalows in
villages. This may create a dilemma in terms of acceptability to
communities and there is also a need to market test the acceptability of
such options in North Devon and Torridge by consultation with elected
members, town and parish councils, representative and lobbying
bodies for older people and with affordable and market sector
providers.
4. There will also be a requirement for an expansion in housing which
provides support and/or care including designated, sheltered and extracare
housing, the detail of which has been provided in the previous
chapter.
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