An updated assessment of the Island’s future housing needs has been published by the Isle of Wight Council this week.
The assessment covers issues such as affordable housing, tenure mix and the type and size of houses required and gives a better and rounded understanding of the housing market on the Island and housing in the future.
Cabinet member for housing and planning, Councillor Barry Abraham, said:
“This is an important document for the council. It provides an evidence base for us all to make sure we get the right houses in the right places and tackle issues such as affordability.
“It doesn’t set new planning policy, but I am sure it will stimulate interesting debate housing, particularly in relation to the emerging Regeneration Strategy and the planned consultation on our overall Island Planning Strategy – due at the end of October.”
Ollie Boulter, council planning team leader, said:
“We have worked collaboratively with other council services and external stakeholders, such as the local Strategic Housing Partnership, to make sure the main issues for the Island are considered.
“When such assessments have been done before, it has concentrated on the Island-level. This time, the assessment has broken down the information to areas that reflect the approach taken by the Regeneration Team. I think this will make it more relevant and meaningful to the Island’s communities.”
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The document has been prepared for the council by consultants GL Hearn in line with the latest government guidance.
As well as the housing needs assessment, an Island-wide retail assessment and an Isle of Wight Settlement Coalescence Study have also been published. The council would encourage those submitting planning proposals to take them into account where relevant.
To view the Isle of Wight Housing Needs Assessment 2018 document, along with other background documents, please visit: https://www.iow.gov.uk/Residents/Environment-Planning-and-Waste/Planning-Policy-new/Island-Plan-Documents/Key-Background-Documents.
