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28
Sept
Housing demand survey launched for Masham residents
A survey to assess the need for affordable housing in and around Masham has been launched.
Masham Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group, which is part of Masham Parish Council, said the survey will give residents in the town and surrounding parishes the chance to share their own housing needs in order to establish the demand for a community led housing scheme, which would aim to bring more affordable housing to the rural areas.
It comes after the parish council last year held a public consultation to understand residents' opinions on whether more housing should be built in the area. More than half of the responses indicated more affordable housing should be built in Masham, which could offer either rental or part-ownership opportunities.
The group has partnered with North Yorkshire Council's Rural Enablers department, which has curated the survey, and letters notifiying residents of the survey have now been sent to eligible households.
Companies and employers that fall within the boundary will also be contacted to ask if employees who currently cannot afford to live near their workplace would be interested in taking on a property closer to the company.
The group also want to know if local firms struggle to employ or retain staff due to people not being able to afford to live in the area.
Anyone looking for rental or part-ownership properties in the area is encouraged to complete the form, the group said, adding a decision will then be taken on whether to pursue the project.
A spokesperson for the neighbourhood plan steering group told the Stray Ferret all personal data will be fully confidential to the council, but added "general data" will be used to inform the neighbourhood plan when policies are being drawn up.
They added:
It will also be used when consideration is given as to whether a community led housing scheme to provide additional housing in the Masham area should be undertaken.
The report will be publicly available, so North Yorkshire Council may also choose to refer to it when obtaining evidence for the next local plan.
Landowners interested in offering their site for development are also urged to contact Amanda Madden, who is a member of the rural enablers department, on 07572 228987.
Surveys must be completed and all responses must be returned by October 31.
Eligible parishes include Masham, Swinton, Warthermarske, Fearby, Healey, High and Low Ellington, Ilton, High and Low Burton, Ellingstring and Colsterdale.
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