A HOUSING survey to find out how much affordable housing is required in Cheshire has been launched.
To help shape housing and planning policy, the incoming Cheshire West and Chester authority is asking the public their opinions in a new Housing Market Assessment.
Prosperity portfolio holder for the new council, Cllr Herbert Manley, said: “It is important that new housing in Cheshire West and Chester meets the needs of local people.
“This study will help us assess the need for new affordable housing and help secure housing for local people at affordable prices and rents.”
It is hoped the assessment will find out how much affordable housing is required, what the aspirations of households are and the need for specialist and supported housing for particular groups, such as older people.
A specialist housing and research company called Arc4 has been appointed to advise the council. Their research will be based on a survey of local residents, discussion with house builders, estate agents, registered social landlords and other interested parties, and an analysis of statistical information such as the census.
The postal survey will be sent out this month to more than 43,000 randomly selected households across the existing districts of Chester, Ellesmere Port and Vale Royal.
It is an opportunity for residents who receive the questionnaire to have their say and return it in the freepost envelope provided. Alternatively, you can log on to www.cwacsurvey2009.info to complete the survey online.
The study is expected to be completed in May 2009.
