Core Strategy Options - Dorsetforyou.com

Core Strategy Optionsbungalows – 23%, which is above the average for the Bournemouth and Poole Housing MarketArea.Within East Dorset there are low numbers of flats, terraced houses and semi detached housesand very high numbers of detached houses and bungalows when compared to the averageacross the Housing Market Area.2.33 This shows the peculiarities of the two districts housing stock and underlines the fact thatthey are part of a wider housing market. East Dorset historically has provided housing for the moreaffluent commuters, whereas Christchurch provides a more urban cross section of house type.2.34 However, in recent years more flats than houses have been built in both districts.2.35 Both Christchurch and East Dorset have a high proportion of owner-occupier households.A significant factor is the proportion of households who own their property outright – at around 46%in East Dorset and 50% in Christchurch compared to the national average of 29.5%. This is linkedto the high proportion of elderly people in the area. The proportion of owner occupied homes, butwith a mortgage or loan, is broadly in line with the national norm in East Dorset but below inChristchurch.2.36 Both districts have a low proportion of households living in the private rented sector, 6% inChristchurch and 5% in East Dorset compared with 9% in England and Wales.2.37 The proportion of social rented households is well below national average – only 8% in EastDorset and 12% in Christchurch compared with about 19% in England and Wales.2.38 The Housing Needs Surveys estimated in 2007, that in Christchurch 243 affordable homeswould be required per year and 440 in East Dorset.2.39 There are particular problems with young working households trying to afford property at thebottom end of the market. There is a high proportion who cannot afford to buy. National research(Hometrack, Can’t supply: can’t buy 2008) indicates that 46.6% of households in Christchurch and45.7% in East Dorset fall within this category – 7 th and 10 th highest in the Country respectively. Localresearch (Bournemouth / Poole Strategic Housing Market Assessment Summary Report 2008)identified the low availability of private rented housing in Christchurch and East Dorset as a particularproblem for young working households.2.40 More recent research (Department of Communities and Local Government (CLG) lowerquartile house price to lower quartile earnings by district) shows that in 2009 the house price toincome ratios over the past 2 years had fallen from 12.37 to 9.48 in Christchurch and 12.90 to 11.18in East Dorset. Even though there has been a slight fall in house prices over the past 2 years, thehouse price to income ratios for Christchurch and East Dorset remain significantly high and higherthan the County (9.3%) and England (6.28%) averages in 2009.2.41 The housing surveys show that there is a greater demand for housing across all tenures(private as well as affordable) and sizes than the current stock of housing can meet.2.42 Local authorities are required to assess the needs of gypsies and travellers and travellingshowpeople and provide permanent and transit sites within their areas. Evidence from the DorsetGypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment (2007) indicates that there is under provision forgypsy and traveller accommodation. Demand generally rises in the summer months, particularly inthe Christchurch/East Dorset/Bournemouth and Poole areas. The Councils have not accepted thisevidence however, and have concerns regrading strength of evidence and double counting.2.43 Costs of inadequate pitch provision are high – both for the Local Authorities (financially) andfor the gypsy/traveller community in terms of health and social care.12September 29th, 2010 Christchurch and East Dorset Council Meetings Core Strategy Options