The housing crisis in the New Forest (part two)
NFBN reporters go behind-the-scenes of the housing situation of our local area
Last week I shared the first instalment of our housing report and how this national crisis is impacting our New Forest area.
I was also fortunate to speak with New Forest District Council directly to hear how they’re housing strategy is going and their plans to tackle the issue.
As ever, if there is an issue you’d like to see us reporting on or you’d like to share your story, get in touch on editor@newforestbusinessnews.co.uk.
Kerri L Watt
Editor
Firstly, here’s part one if you missed it…
The housing crisis in the New Forest (part two)
The current housing situation in the UK has been named the “most acute housing crisis in living memory”.
Over the summer, the new Labour government announced an ambitious new housing target to deliver 1.5 million additional homes.
The Government’s “biggest boost to social and affordable housing in a generation”
At the recent Labour Party Conference 2024, Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Raynor announced: “A new planning framework will unlock the door to affordable homes and provide the biggest boost to social and affordable housing in a generation.”
Raynor, also the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, said: “Mortgages have soared. Leaseholders are left at the mercy of eye-watering charges.
“Renters face crippling rent hikes in damp and mouldy homes. Homelessness is all around us.
“The simple aspiration of a safe, secure and affordable home is further out of reach than ever, and we can’t go on like this. So, change must begin at home.
“We will get Britain building and building decent homes for working people.”
“A new planning framework will unlock the door to affordable homes and provide the biggest boost to social and affordable housing in a generation.”
Angela Raynor MP
A 2024 report by the United Nations (UN) Economic Commission for Europe shows the ongoing affordable homes crisis is happening all across Europe.
The report claims the UK has 16.8% of people in “reduced-price rentals” which is often associated with public housing.
This figure exceeds those in private rental market suggesting a “substantial public housing sector” in the UK.
Affordable homes in the New Forest
Dibden Purlieu will soon see a new affordable housing development after construction began in August for 25 family homes.
After being declined planning permission twice by New Forest District Council (NFDC), the site secured planning in January after an appeal.
The two-, three- and four-bedroom home site is being delivered in partnership with housing association Aster Group and developers AJC Group.
11 of the 25 dwellings will be rented accommodation allocated by NFDC and developers believe the site will create an “opportunity for families to stay in an area they have previously been priced out of.”
New Forest District Council housing strategy - did they achieve their previous targets and how does the future look?
I was able to speak to a NFDC spokesperson about their housing strategy and how they are supporting our community.
How is the national ‘housing crisis’ impacting the New Forest?
“We continue to experience pressures resulting from homelessness, which is often caused through the termination of private rented tenancies.
“Due to house prices in our district, and the limited scope for people to buy a home, this feeds into pressure on the private rented sector and rising rents.
“It has become extremely difficult for those on lower incomes to find and sustain housing through any market options.”
Were the targets in the 2018-2023 housing strategy achieved?
“The 2018 Housing Strategy introduced a target to deliver an additional 600 council dwellings by March 2026, an eight-year period.
“To date, we have delivered 339 additional homes and another 135 are in our ‘firm’ pipeline which have featured in presentations to our Housing and Communities Overview and scrutiny panel.
“We are still committed to exploring opportunities which deliver additional units as they arise.”
The NFDC spokesperson is “proud” of the progress they have made especially in a challenging climate the last few years with inflation, interest rates and land cost increases.
Due to the challenging climate, their housing target included new sites that did not “come forward as quickly as expected” although most are active now and nearing completion.
Other housing providers continue to deliver affordable housing in the district meaning the reliance on NFDC to deliver housing is “less significant”.
New housing schemes
NFDC have created new schemes to provide urgently needed temporary accommodation over the last 5 years, with more in the pipeline.
“These schemes provide much needed alternatives to bed and breakfast accommodation for those who are facing homelessness.
“We are also proud of our first development in Totton which has been built to the proposed Future Homes Standard in which gas-free homes have increased levels of insulation and various new technologies to ensure they are warm and affordable to run.”
The scheme at Penman House in Totton has also been shortlisted for a national housing award. All developments currently being built by NFDC will meet this standard.
The council’s next housing strategy
The councils former 2018 housing strategy ended in 2023. Almost at the end of 2024, there is yet to be a new version as it is “under review” and objectives are not yet agreed.
I’m told their housing priorities will meet their ‘Corporate Plan 2024 to 2028’ goals of helping community members with the greatest need and meeting all housing needs.
A new Homelessness Strategy is also due to begin in 2025 which will list actions and duties to assist those in “greatest need”.
For more information on housing or homelessness go to www.newforest.gov.uk/homeless or call the housing team on 023 8028 5222.
For more information on NFDC’s corporate plan and their commitments for the next four years: www.newforest.gov.uk/media/3860/Corporate-plan-2024-to-2028
We’re raising money for Oakhaven Hospice…
NFBN Editor Kerri L Watt is sharing her PR services to help companies land major media coverage all in exchange for a charitable donation to Oakhaven Hospice in Lymington.
Anything you are able to give is greatly appreciated.
Kerri x