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Whatton in the Vale 2020

Whatton Housing Needs Survey 2020

Midlands Rural Housing in partnership with Rushcliffe Borough Council and Whatton Parish Council July 2020.

 

Contents

 

1. Summary

1.1 A housing needs survey was carried out in Whatton in the Vale, Nottinghamshire in June 2020. Questionnaires were delivered to 442 households in the parish of Whatton in the Vale and an electronic survey was available as an alternative method of response.

1.2 Results showed that there is a requirement for 14 new homes, in order to enable local people to be suitably housed within their community.

 

Summary of housing need

Type of Unit

 Required Affordable Rented Required Rent to Buy Shared Ownership (25%)

Required Open

Market Housing

Totals
1 bed home 1 - - - 1
2 bed house 2 2 - 6 10
3 bed house - - - - -
4 bed house - - - 1 1
5 bed house - - - - 0
1 bed bungalow - - - - 0
2 bed bungalow 1 - - - 1
Sheltered Housing 1 - - - 1
Total 5 2 - 7 14

 Table 1: Summary of housing requirements in Whatton in the Vale

1.3 These new homes could be developed on an ‘infill site’ or alternatively on a rural exception site, should one become available. Subject to local authority planning policy, some open market homes could be used to cross-subsidise the costs of building homes for affordable tenures.

1.4 Alternatively, the affordable homes could be provided as part of a larger scale development through s106 provision subject to local authority planning policy. Open market housing tenures on a proposed s106 development could be informed by the open market requirements found in this report again subject to local authority planning policies.

2. Introduction

2.1 Midlands Rural Housing (MRH) is a non-asset holding, profit for purpose organisation that works to promote and enable the provision of homes in rural settlements. We do this by working closely with local authorities, town and parish councils, registered providers, private developers and local communities in order to investigate the need for affordable housing.

2.2 MRH is a well-respected organisation, recognised for its expertise in this field. In addition to the work we do locally within communities across rural England, we are also a key lobbyist and influencer both nationally and regionally. 

2.3 This report presents the requirement for housing in the village of Whatton in the Vale (Whatton). 

3. Issues Facing Rural Communities

3.1 According to the latest annual Halifax Rural Housing Review (Halifax, 2017), homes in rural areas across Great Britain are 20% more expensive on average than in urban areas. In financial terms, this percentage equates to £44,454. 

3.2 However, regionally, these figures increase or decrease dramatically depending on the locality. For example, in the West Midlands, the average house price in rural areas is 47%, or £89,272 higher than the region’s urban areas, and in contrast, the East of England has an average rural housing premium of 9% or £27,765.

3.3 Data from the review shows that first time buyers have found themselves priced out of rural areas. They account for 41% of all mortgaged products in rural areas, compared with 53% in urban areas. Affordability is the main reason for this.

3.4 In a local context, figures for the East Midlands show a 38% increase in rural average house prices since 2012. This equates to a rural housing premium of £55,426, compared to urban locations. The local authority districts of Derbyshire Dales and South Northamptonshire have the lowest number of first-time buyers in rural areas, with 29% and 30% respectively.

3.5 Areas which are predominantly rural typically have higher house prices than urban locations, thus making them less affordable. In 2016, the average lower quartile house price was 8.3 times the average lower quartile earnings in rural areas, in comparison with 7 times in urban areas. 

3.6 In 2018, the National Housing Federation stated that ‘the housing crisis in rural England is acute, with the most affordable rural homes costing 8.3 times wages in rural areas’ (National Housing Federation, 2018). 

4. Survey Methodology and Purpose

4.1 In June 2020, a Housing Needs Survey questionnaire was delivered to every household in Whatton in the Vale. The deadline for responses was the 30 June. Pre-paid envelopes were provided for the return of survey forms directly to MRH and an alternative method of response was provided online.

4.2 Of the 442 surveys distributed, a total of 146 completed responses were received. This resulted in an overall response rate of 33%. In our experience this is a good level of response for a survey of this type, in village of this size.

4.3 The survey questionnaire is divided into 3 parts:

  • Part 1 – General information
  • Part 2 – Life in your village
  • Part 3 – Housing requirements and housing need

4.4 Parts 1 and 2 seek to discover general information about household members, their current housing situation and their connection to the parish or village. Questions were asked to assess people’s perceptions of what it is like to live in the locality and gave an opportunity for them to make general comments. Part 3 is about identifying the future housing requirements of all household members, and the reasons why they think they are in housing need either now, or in the future. 

4.5 The survey was conducted in order to obtain clear evidence of any local housing requirements across a range of tenures for residents in the locality. The information obtained from a housing needs survey is invaluable at a local level for local authority, parish council and neighbourhood planning activities. Such information can be acted on locally and taken on board in decision making processes around housing issues. 

4.6 Survey data showing a local demand for market housing is considered a ‘preference’. Whether it is appropriate for this to be satisfied in the relevant settlement will be dependent on the consistency of doing so with the Development Plan. 

5. Conclusion

5.1 Midlands Rural Housing has conducted a detailed study into the current housing requirements of the villages of Whatton in the Vale which will be valid until July 2025. This study has investigated the affordable housing need and the open market housing preferences of the parish, the resident’s views about living in the parish, and the level of support for local homes to help sustain local communities.

5.2 The survey has identified a need for 6 affordable homes, i1 requirement for sheltered housing and a preference for 7 open market homes, making a total of 14 homes.

5.3 Of the 15 respondents to the survey who indicated a housing need in the next 5 years, 1 respondent was discounted from the analysis because they did not provide enough information for an accurate assessment to be completed.

5.4 The remaining 14 respondent’s results were then cross referenced against Rushcliffe Borough Council’s housing register.

  • 1 person was found to be on the register and to have responded to the survey. This respondent was removed from the analysis to ensure double counting has not taken place

5.5 In total, from the survey and the housing register, a need was found in the village for 7 affordable homes for local people;

  • 4 were assessed as needing affordable rented housing
    • 1 x 2 bedroom bungalow
    • 1 x 1 bedroom house
    • 2 x 2 bedroom house
  • 1 was assessed as needing sheltered housing
  • 2 were assessed as requiring Shared Ownership housing
    • 2 x 2-bedroom houses (25% share)

5.6 From the survey, a total preference was found in the village for 7 open market homes for local people;

  • 6 x 2-bedroom houses 
  • 1 x 4-bedroom house

5.7 Current demographic evidence sourced from citypopulation.info shown by the tables below reflects the findings in this survey. The current need consists predominately of bungalows across the tenures for the ageing population and smaller 1- or 2-bedroom properties for the younger population of the village.

Age Groups

  • 0-17 years - 170 (18.1%)
  • 18-64 - 518 (55.2%)
  • 65+ - 250 (26.7%)

Age Distribution

  • 0-9 years: 78
  • 10-19 years: 113
  • 20-29 years: 59
  • 30-39 years: 74
  • 40-49 years: 125
  • 50-59 years: 157
  • 60-69 years: 154
  • 70-79 years: 105
  • 80+ years: 73

5.8 A need for 7 affordable homes indicates a significant rise since the previous housing needs survey took place in 2014, when there was a need for just 3 affordable homes.

5.9 In the ‘Nottinghamshire County Joint Strategic Needs Assessment – Evidence Summary 2017’ from the Nottinghamshire Health and wellbeing Board, it states that ‘Overall the age structure of Nottinghamshire is slightly older than the national average, with 20% of the population aged 65+ in 2015 compared with 18% in England.’ Nottinghamshire’s ‘population is predicted to continue to age over the next 15 years with the number of 65-84 year olds increasing by over 30% and 85+ year olds by over 76%. Older people are more likely to experience disability and limiting long term illnesses.’

6. Appendix 1

6.1 Housing Requirements Analysis

6.1.1 Respondents were asked to clarify their need in terms of property type and size, together with a preferred tenure type. In assessing the stated need, income levels and likely property prices are considered to ensure that any proposed future housing development will indeed meet the needs of those to be housed. Therefore, a ‘likely allocation/purchase’ is suggested to outline what any housing provision could realistically look like.

Respondents assessed as having an affordable housing need

Respondents assessed as having an affordable housing need

Reference

 Local Connection On Housing Register Household Details Reasons for Need Preferred Home and Tenure Likely Allocation
2 12 months residency No Single adult living in family home

Couple setting up home together. Need independent home within 1 year.

3-bedroom house. Shared Ownership, rent to buy, open market purchase.

2-bedroom house.

Shared Ownership
3 Over 5 years residency   No  Single adult living in family home  Needs independent home, close to employment.   2-bedroom flat. Rent to Buy.  2-bedroom flat or house. Affordable rent/rent to buy. 
6 Over 10 years residency  No Single adult living in family home   Needs independent home, close to carer to receive support.   1- or 2-bedroom house, bungalow or flat. Renting from Council or Housing Association.   1-bedroom flat or house. Affordable rent.  
10 Over 10 years residency  No  Single adult living in family home   Needs independent home within 1 year.  2-bedroom house. Shared ownership or affordable rent. 2-bedroom house. Affordable rent.  
11 Over 10 years residency  No  Family of 4 living in privately rented 3- bedroom bungalow. Present home too small. Need larger home within 1 year.   3-bedroom bungalow. Renting from Council or Housing Association  No Personal or contact details given. Cannot accurately assess need. 
12 Over 10 years residency  No  Young adult living in family home  Needs independent home within 5 years.  3-bedroom house or bungalow. Open market purchase. 2-bedroom house. Shared ownership. 
13 2-5 years residency   No  Couple living in privately rented 2- bedroom bungalow  Present home too expensive. Need cheaper home within 3 years. 2-bedroom bungalow. Renting from Council or Housing Association.   2-bedroom bungalow. Affordable Rent. 
14 2-5 years residency   Yes Single, elderly person living in own home.  Moved away but wish to return.  2-bedroom bungalow. Renting from Council or Housing Association.  Duplicated at Ref 1HR 

 

Residents currently on the Rushcliffe Borough Council Housing Register

Residents currently on the Rushcliffe Borough Council Housing Register

Reference

 Local Connection Housing Register Household Details Likely Allocation
1HR Yes Yes – Band 3 since 24/01/2018 Single, elderly person living in own home. Sheltered housing only

 

Respondents who have been assessed for an open market housing preference

Respondents who have been assessed for an open market housing preference

Reference

 Local Connection On Housing Register Household Details Reasons for Preference Preferred Home and Tenure Likely Purchase
1 5 – 10 years residency No Single adult living in family home Needs independent home within 3 years 2-bedroom house. Open market purchase 2-bedroom home. Open market purchase
4

Over 5 years residency

 No Couple setting up home together. Need independent home within 5 years Couple setting up home together. Need independent home within 5 years 2-bedroom house. Open market purchase 2-bedroom house. Open market purchase
5 Over 5 years residency No Single adult living in family home Needs independent home within 1 year 3-bedroom house. Open market purchase 2-bedroom house. Open market purchase
7 2 years residency and work here No Couple living in privately rented home Couple setting up home together within 1 year 3-bedroom house. Open market purchase 2-bedroom house. Open market purchase
8 Over 1 year residency, close family resident over5 years No Single adult currently living in family home Needs to be close to family member to give care & support, within 5 years 2-bedroom bungalow. Open market purchase 2-bedroom house. Open market purchase
9 Lived here for 3 out of last 5 years, close family resident over 5 years No Family of 6 living in mortgaged 3 bed house Present home too small. Need larger home within 3 years 4-bedroom house. Open market purchase 4-bedroom house. Open market purchase
15 Over 10 years residency No Single adult living in family home Couple setting up home together. Needs independent home within 3 years 2-bedroom house. Buying on the open market 2-bedroom house. Open market purchase

 

6.2 House Price Data

6.2.1 Overall, property prices in Rempstone have increased over the past 5 years. During that period, prices have increased by an average of 21.97% in the village which means an average increase in house values of £74,504 in Rempstone (Zoopla October 2020). 

  • Average price paid - £273,447
  • Sales - 70
  • Current average value - £287,460
  • Value change - increase £27,425

6.3 Local Context - Properties for Sale

6.3.1 By way of local context, the table below shows the average prices of properties that were for sale in the parish in July 2020. There were no properties for rent in the village at the time the survey report was written.

Current asking prices:

  • Houses
    • 1 x 3 bed - £250,000
    • 1 x 4 bed - £470,000

6.4 Local Context – Properties Sold

6.4.1 The information below indicates that there have been 11 property sales in the last 12 months. It also shows that average values reduced by 6.24% in the last 12 months. This fall in values is due in part to the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown and may be only a temporary feature. 

  • Average price paid - £317,818
  • Sales - 11
  • Current average value - £287,460
  • Value change - decrease £19,143

7. Appendix 2

7.1 Respondents - a total of 442 surveys were distributed, and 146 were returned. 

7.2 Household Type

7.2.1 Question 1 of the questionnaire asked residents to indicate their household type. The information is shown below.

  • Couple - 76
  • Two parent family - 40
  • One person household - 24
  • Other - 3
  • Lone parent - 1
  • Two person household - 2

7.2.2 The largest number of responses was from couples; 52% of total responses were from this group.

7.2.3 27% of responses came from two parent families and 17% were from one person households.

7.3 Tenure of Respondents

7.3.1 As shown below, the dominant tenure held by respondents was ‘own home outright’ with 64% of households falling into this category. 32% of respondents owned their own home with a mortgage and only 3% were privately renting. No respondents were renting from the council or a housing association. 

  • Own home outright - 93
  • Own home with mortgage - 47
  • Renting from private landlord - 4

7.4 Property Types

7.4.1 46% of total households are residing in a property with 3-bedrooms. 25% of respondents are residing in 4-bedroom properties. 23% of respondents are living in 2-bedroom properties.

7.4.2 52% of respondents are living in a house and 46% are living in a bungalow.

7.5 Length of Residence

7.5.1 Respondents were asked to indicate the length of time they have been resident in the parish. 

7.5.2 70% of respondents have lived in Whatton for 10 years or more; 14% for between 5-10 years; 9% for between 2-5 years and 7% for less than 2 years. 

  • Less than 2 years - 10
  • 2-5 years - 13
  • 5-10 years - 21
  • 10+ years - 102

7.6 Type of Housing Needed in the Village

7.6.1 When asked what type of housing they thought was needed in the parish, 58% of respondents felt that no further homes are needed.

7.6.2 31% of respondents felt that small homes for young people are needed

7.6.3 15% of respondents thought that homes for the elderly are needed.

7.6.4 13% of respondents thought 3-4 bedroom family homes are needed.

  • No further homes needed - 85
  • 1-2 bed homes for young and single people - 45
  • 3-4 bed family homes - 19
  • 4+ bed family homes - 4
  • Homes for elderly people - 22
  • Homes for people with disabilities - 12
  • Other - 10

7.7 Migration and Reasons for Leaving

7.7.1 Questions 8 explored whether anybody knew someone from their household who had left the village during the last 5 years.

7.7.2 84% of people did not know anyone from their household who had left the village, whilst 16% did.

7.7.3 The most common reason for leaving was a lack of affordable housing, followed by marriage/separation, to take up employment elsewhere and finally, going to university.

7.8 Support for New Homes being Built in the Village

7.8.1 Question 9 asked whether people would support homes being developed for local people. Almost 51% would not support new homes, although almost 48% said they would.

8. Life in the Parish

8.1 Questions 10 and 11 of the survey asked for people’s views on what they think of Whatton as a place to live; what they like about the village and what they think the issues are.

8.2 The responses show that 95% of respondents think Whatton is a nice place to live. 62% of respondents thought it had a friendly atmosphere and community spirit and 51% viewed Whatton as a sought-after location. Finally, 45% thought it had a balanced and varied population.

8.3 The information below, shows that 94% of people thought that the village lacked facilities. 7% thought crime and 6% thought anti-social behaviour were concerns. Without the right infrastructure, villages cannot thrive, and eventually can become unsustainable. For any new development to be successful, the right amenities need to be in place. 

8.4 72% of respondents felt that public transport was the most important concern for the village, followed by mobile phone signal (67%), shopping facilities (63%) and broadband (56%).

8.5 The least important factors were shown to be parking (12%), employment opportunities (13%), road network (15%).

Works Cited

City Population info 2020

http://www.citypopulation.de/en/uk/eastmidlands/admin/rushcliffe/E04008013__whatton in the vale/

Joint Strategic Needs Assessment Evidence summary 2017 [online] cited Nov 2020.

https://www.nottinghamshireinsight.org.uk/research-areas/jsna/

Halifax, 2017. [Online] Available at: https://static.halifax.co.uk/assets/pdf/media-centre/press-releases/2017- 10-02-rural-housing-review-30-september-2017-housing-release.pdf

National Housing Federation, 2018. A Manifesto for Affordable Rural Homes, s.l.: s.n.

https://www.zoopla.co.uk/house-prices/whatton/?q=Whatton%2C%20Nottingham%20NG13&results_sort=newest_listings&search_source=home

Contact Information

Midlands Rural Housing
Whitwick Business Centre
Stenson Road
Coalville
Leicestershire
LE67 4JP
Tel: 0300 1234 009
Email: miles.king@midlandsrural.org.uk

 

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