By now every household in Anstey should have received a letter in the post regarding the future Housing Needs of Anstey from Midlands Rural Housing.
We are encouraging ALL households in Anstey to complete the questionnaire before the closure date of 25th February 2022.
Please make your thoughts known now on the future of housing in Anstey, by completing the survey form that you have received or if more convenient, complete the online survey at https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/VCYGK8D
As your Borough Councillors, we feel that Anstey needs to have the right balance of housing to ensure that our village provides a proper balance of housing, including shops, pubs, transport and public services that our residents require and expect. It is therefore, extremely important that you make your views known as soon as possible. Please note that in certain circumstances more than one household member can complete the questionnaire.
We would also encourage you to let your friends and family know just how important it is that this survey, should be completed and before the deadline date. We are aware that our residents lead very busy lifestyles but once the survey closes it will be too late to make their thoughts known as to the future of our village.
We are also monitoring if any households have NOT received a survey form, as we consider that ALL residents should be aware of this survey and have their chance of completing it so that a meaningful and relevant survey is conducted to reflect ALL of our residents views. We would therefore appreciate knowing if you have not received the postal survey by email to [email protected].
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Below is a copy of the letter you will have received
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Dear Resident,
Housing Needs Survey of Anstey Parish
The Strategic and Private Sector Housing Service at Charnwood Borough Council, and your Parish Council would like your help to understand more about the type of housing that may be needed by local people in rural areas to influence the type and size of homes built in the future.
To help us with this important research, it is important that as many households as possible complete the survey so the housing needs of the village can be assessed.
The survey is being conducted on behalf of Charnwood Borough Council by Midlands Rural Housing, and independent organisation with expertise in this field.
Why is this survey happening?
District and Borough Councils are duty bound to gather information about the housing needs of their communities so that the requirements of all residents can be understood. The survey is not just looking to find out about affordable housing needs; all kinds of housing needs must be understood whether the need is to buy on the open market, part rent and part buy (shared ownership), or rent a home (either privately or through a social landlord such as a Registered Provider).
What is the survey for?
The information from this kind of survey is used to ensure that any new homes built reflect what is needed by existing residents who have a connection to the village.
Why is it important to complete the survey?
Rural areas are facing many challenges now. Major threats to shops, pubs, transport, services, and local facilities exist. There is an ageing population, jobs are limited, and there can be a loss of ‘community feel’ in a village. Also, the costs of living and housing are causing problems for many. These pressures exist in villages across Leicestershire and beyond.
Places like Anstey need to have the right balance of housing to help provide a foundation for a vibrant community. Any new housing should be planned carefully to meet local needs if it is to have a positive impact on the area. This survey is the first step to ensuring this. By identifying the full range of housing needs for local people, future decisions and proactive action can be properly informed.
Are there plans to build new houses here?
Some development is already planned, but the housing needs still must be assessed so up to date local needs evidence is understood. The housing needs of all villages should be assessed every 5 years.
What if the survey finds that there is a housing need?
Charnwood Borough Council will work with the Parish Council, the
local community and its housing and planning partners to see if there is a desire to meet any open market or affordable housing needs that may result from this survey. If any new homes are planned it is important that they are in keeping with the village and are built to a high standard of design.
Is the Parish Council aware of the survey?
Anstey Parish Council has been fully consulted over this survey and has been very helpful throughout the process. The Parish Council hope that as many households as possible complete the survey so a true picture of housing need can be established. The results will help them work with the community and the borough council to ensure that the future of Anstey is supported with the right kind of homes, if any are required.
How can I get help with the survey or request a form for someone I know who is in housing need?
If you have any queries or concerns, or need any help completing the survey, please do not hesitate to contact Midlands Rural Housing on 0300 1234 009 or by emailing [email protected]