Village Housing Needs Report Published

An independent report into Kingsclere's future housing needs has been published and has revealed some interesting and surprising facts. It reveals that Kingsclere's population is getting smaller, but the average age is getting higher, while families on average income cannot afford to buy entry-level houses in the village.

Councillor Sue Adams said about the report, "This evidence-based report will help inform the Neighbourhood Planning Group with the review of the Kingsclere Neighbourhood Plan. The issues highlighted confirm that Kingsclere has an ageing population. To remain a sustainable village we need a mix of residents of all ages. At present, younger people cannot afford to live here as the high cost of market housing makes it very difficult for first-time buyers. The report recommends discounted homes as the most effective way of bringing new entry-level homes within reach of average earning households."

She added, "In addition to the report, the NP Group urgently need to hear the views of residents on future development. I would ask all residents to complete the questionnaire which can be found on the Parish Council website."

The report was commissioned by the Kingsclere Neighbourhood Planning Group and prepared by AECOMM - an international planning consultancy. It was funded by a grant from communities charity Locality.

To have your say on the future of Kingsclere's housing take part in the housing survey currently on the Parish Council website.

The main points from the Housing Needs Assessment report are:

• Kingsclere’s population is gradually declining however the population is getting older with fewer younger people.
• Projections suggest that the 75+ population in the parish will increase from 8.5% of the total currently to 16.7% in 2039 – equivalent to 239 additional older individuals and a 108.6% growth rate for that age cohort.
• There has been a steady increase in house prices, with the mean house price being £418,948 in 2021.
• Households on average incomes (£56,300) cannot access median or entry-level market homes.
• To purchase a median house price would require an annual income nearly double the current average. Market housing is likely to remain out of reach to most.
• Discounted homes are the only way the majority of first-time buyers can afford to buy in Kingsclere. Discounts of 40% and 50% appear most effective at bringing new entry-level homes within reach of the average earning household.
• A modelling exercise suggested that new development of all tenures might involve the following % of dwellings: • 18.1% as two bedrooms, • 48.8% as three bedrooms, • 29.4% as four bedrooms, and 3.7% as five or more bedrooms.
• Kingsclere’s position in the settlement hierarchy makes it a relatively less suitable location for specialist accommodation for older people on the basis of the accessibility criteria and the considerations of cost-effectiveness.
• Basingstoke is considered to have the potential to accommodate the specialist housing need arising from the Neighbourhood Area (i.e. to be the hub in the hub-and-spoke model).

For more information read the full report or contact Cllr Sue Adams at [email protected]