Butleigh Parish (including Butleigh Wootton) Housing Needs Survey
Conducted by The Community Council for Somerset
6 March 2017
Telephone 01823 331222 I Email [email protected] I www.somersertrcc.org.uk
Community Council for Somerset, Victoria House, Victoria Street, Taunton TA1 3JZ
The Community Council for Somerset is a Company Limited by Guarantee, Registered in England & Wales No. 3541219, and is a Registered Charity No. 1069260
© 2017 This report, or any part, may be reproduced in any format or medium, provided that is reproduced accurately and not used in a misleading context. The source must be identified and the title of the publication specified with the copyright status acknowledged. Contents
Introduction 1 Aims, Methodology, Presentation and Interpretation of Data 2 Summary 3-5 Findings 6-22 Respondent profile 6-8 Overview of housing needs and development in Butleigh 9-11 Site features and proposed dwellings for any proposed development sites in Butleigh 11-13 New open market housing 14-16 Housing for older people 16-20 Additional comments (see Appendix 2) 20 Affordable housing summary 21-22
Appendices Appendix 1: Questionnaire Appendix 2: Verbatim comments Appendix 3: Full Survey Results Summary Tables Appendix 4: Respondent Profile Affordable Housing [access restricted to CCS and MDC employees]
Tables Table 1 Typical property and rental levels (cheapest 25%) for Butleigh Parish and surrounding area 1 Table 2 Affordable housing (11 respondents) 22
Charts Chart 1 Gender 6 Chart 2 Parish residency status 6 Chart 3 2nd property in Parish 6 Chart 4 Parish holiday accommodation 7 Chart 5 Length resident in parish 7 Chart 6 Age 7 Chart 7 Overall household ages 7 Chart 8 Butleigh Nursery/School – past pupils 8 Chart 9 Butleigh Nursery/School – current pupils 8 Chart 10 Household size 8 Chart 11 Property size 8 Chart 12 Views on amount of current housing in Butleigh Parish 9 Chart 13a Level of support for future development Butleigh Parish 9 Chart 13b Level of support for future development Butleigh Parish – LOCAL CONNECTION 9 Chart 14 Type of housing supported 10 Chart 15 Tenure types needed most 10 Chart 16 Main concerns about future housing development in Butleigh Parish 11 Chart 17 Housing type supported for new developments 11 Chart 18 Property size support for open market homes 12 Chart 19 Sufficient provision to avoid on-road parking 12 Chart 20 Main improvement resulting from re-investment 13 Chart 21 Open market: reasons for moving 14 Chart 22 Open market: type of property vs number of bedrooms 15 Chart 23 Open market: desired property features 15 Chart 24 Open market: price 16 Chart 25 Older people: property exchange scheme 16 Chart 26 Older people: timescale for moving 17 Chart 27 Older people: preferred tenure 17 Chart 28 Older people: reason or moving 18 Chart 29 Older people: type of property vs number of bedrooms 18 Chart 30 Older people: special adaptations 19 Chart 31 Older people: likelihood of remaining in home with adaptations 19 Chart 28 Older people: price 20
Introduction
Butleigh Parish (including Butleigh Wootton) is situated in the heart of Somerset and consists the villages and hamlets of Butleigh and Butleigh Wootton. It is in the Mendip District Council Authority. The closest medium-sized towns are Street (4 miles) and Glastonury (5 miles) where there are many local amenities. The large town of Yeovil is 13 miles south, Bridgwater, Taunton and cities of Bristol and Bath are within commuting distance - all provide commercial and employment centres. There is a scheduled bus service from Street to Wincanton serving the Parish. Trains linking London and south west are accessible from Castle Cary (@ 10 miles).
Butleigh Parish has a primary school, pub and a church/meeting room. Other local businesses include a village shop and a campsite. The closest medical centres are in Street.
In the 2011 census the population usually resident in the Parish was 823 in 360 households.1
House prices in the Parish are very high in relation to average incomes. The Land Registry records 24 sales 2016 (January - December 2016) at an average price of £479,375. The average income for a full-time employee in Mendip is £27,5002. For Mendip as a whole, the current ratio of lower quartile house price to lower quartile earnings is 9.053. This means that owning a house is out of reach of many, particularly younger people wishing to remain in the Parish.
7 properties are currently being marketed in Butleigh Parish on the Rightmove website (6.3.17). The cheapest is a 1 bed semi-detached bungalow for £142,500, and the most expensive £2,500,000 (6 bed). Table 1 – shows the typical prices used to measure what a resident would expect to pay for a property in the cheapest 25% of homes (although this cannot be measured accurately for 1-2 bedroom properties due to the lack of sales of these house types in the Parish). For 1 bed properties there is only 1 house sale recorded in the last 2 years, and calculations for 2 bed properties are also over a 2 year period as opposed to the last 12 months. This has been calculated by looking at Land Registry sale prices in Butleigh.
The 2011 census found 113 privately rented households1. There are currently no properties for rent on the main lettings websites, local press or private agents. Because of the lack of local properties to rent in Butleigh, prices in a 3 mile radius have been used which includes Street.
Table 1 – Typical property and rental levels lower quartile (cheapest 25%) for Butleigh and surrounding area
Private rent weekly Property size Sale price (monthly)* 1 bedroom £125,000* £114 (£494 pcm) 2 bedrooms £196,875** £138 (£600 pcm) 3 bedrooms £289,875 £200 (£760 pcm) * Based on 1 property sale in August 2015 ** Based on property sales in the last 24 months
In 2011 there were 10 social rented homes1 in Butleigh Parish. There were also 3 shared ownership properties at that time.1 No properties have been advertised to let or exchange in Butleigh on the Homefinder website in the last 3 years. The vacancies created in this limited stock are unlikely to have a significant impact on any need identified in this report. ______1 ONS Census 2011 (KS102EW), (KS401EW) and (KS403EW) : Butleigh [accessed 6.3.17] 2 Source: Somerset County Council, Somerset Intelligence Partnership, http://www.somersetintelligence.org.uk/occupation-and-earning- november-2016 and Somerset Joint Strategic Needs Assessment – 2015 http://www.somersetintelligence.org.uk/house-prices-2015/ [accessed 29.01.17] 3 Source: UK Government, Department of Communities and Local Government, https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/live- tables-on-housing-market-and-house-prices#history, Table 576 Mendip [accessed 6.3.17]
P a g e | 1 Aims
Butleigh Parish Council’s overall aim is to better understand and meet the housing needs of Butleigh Parishioners in the next 15 years, feeding into the first stage of a Neighbourhood Plan. This survey particularly sought to:
Explore the views of current Parish residents to help determine housing needs within the Parish in the short, medium and long term (0-15 years)
Investigate the need for affordable housing for local people in Butleigh Parish and for those wishing to return. The type of tenure, house size and timescale of need
Establish opinion in relation to site features and proposed dwellings for any proposed development sites in Butleigh Parish
Establish future housing need for older people in the Parish over the next 10 years
Methodology
380 paper surveys were distributed to every household on the electoral role in the Parish with reply paid envelopes for direct return to CCS. The survey was also available to complete online (see Appendix 1).
In total 145 valid responses were received giving a 38% response rate.
Research was conducted between 24 January – 10 February 2017.
Data from the paper surveys was input by CCS staff using proprietary online survey software.
Presentation and Interpretation of Data
The sample size is relatively small, therefore undue emphasis should not be placed on specific percentages. Where a number of respondents with a particular view, or response to a question is very low, the report will normally include a ‘base’ (identify the actual number of responses/opinions involved). Where figures do not total 100% this may be due to computer rounding or the exclusion of ‘don’t knows’.
P a g e | 2 Summary
Demographic data:
145 people participated in the survey, representing 344 household members. The 38% response rate is statistically significant, and in CCS’s experience this is a strong response rate from a community, particularly on a single issue consultation.
The overwhelming majority of respondents live in the Parish (96%). Just 5 people live outside the Parish, 2 of them have strong Parish connections and are looking to return with the help of affordable accommodation. 2 in 3 have lived in the Parish for over 11 years (67%).
5 respondents own more than 1 property in the Parish (4%). 4 have lived in the Parish for over 11 years, and 2 of them let part or all their property for holiday accommodation. Overall 5 respondents have properties which are used for holiday accommodation (4%).
The gender split between male and female respondents is very close, with marginally more female respondents (53%) to male respondents (47%). There are marginally more working age respondents (under 65yrs: 52%) compared to those of retirement age (65+yrs: 48%). No young people took part in the survey (aged 24 and under). Around 1 in 3 households are families with children/young people aged 18 or under (33% - 44 families).
Around 2 in 5 respondents are parents of past pupils of Butleigh’s Nursery and Primary School (39%), while 16% are current parents. Of those families taking part in the survey with children under the age of 10, 73% are currently using these local amenities.
The majority live in a two person household (47% - 63 households). Over 4 in 5 respondents live in 3+ bed properties (84%). The majority of these homes have 2 occupants or less (57% - 68 homes). Just 6 households live in 1 bed properties correlating with the very limited supply of smaller properties in the Parish from the 2011 Census findings.
Housing Needs and Development in Butleigh
Opinion over the volume of housing in Butleigh Parish is divided, however the small majority feel more housing is needed (55%). 1 in 3 respondents feel it is sufficient or overdeveloped (33%), while around 1 in 10 have no opinion (11%). Over 9 in 10 respondents expressed a view.
A small majority would support future development in the Parish (56%). However the proportion of respondents supporting future housing rises to 2 in 3 respondents if development met the specific needs of Butleigh Parishioners, or those with a genuine local connection (67%). Further analysis shows that 2 in 5 respondent who feel more development is needed would be looking for new housing in the future – open market, older or affordable. Over 9 in 10 respondents expressed a view.
Preference for 3 bedroom homes is greatest, although respondents feeling more 2 bedroom homes are needed are also in the majority. A smaller number would like to see additional retirement housing, while a similar proportion do not feel that any new homes are needed in the Parish (19%). Again, over 9 in 10 respondents expressed a view.
For those with a view on the tenure of houses needed most in the Parish, the greatest need is seen for affordable homes to rent for those with a local Parish connection. A sizeable proportion feel that there should be more shared ownership/housing association homes. While 1 in 3 feel there should be more new-build open market homes.
P a g e | 3 Over 2 in 3 respondents are most concerned that new development should support existing services – transport/shops/schools – some raised issues over flooding and sewerage. Many are also concerned about the impact on road traffic. While more than half feel new development should be used to encourage younger families into the Parish. Once again, over 9 in 10 respondents expressed a view and over 1 in 4 respondents expanded on their concerns.
The large majority of respondents shared views on site features and proposed dwellings for any future development sites in the Parish (overall 86%). 6 in 10 are respondents who support additional development in the Parish. The large majority would like new housing to be traditional cottage/house design, with a strong preference for 2 storey properties.
In this group of respondents, 3 bed and 2 bed homes are equally supported. The gap has closed when compared with earlier survey findings where the majority favoured 3 bed homes. Any future development should have sufficient provision for off road parking.
The small majority would like to see the financial benefits to the community as a result of new development reinvested into improving or creating new pavements in the Parish (57%). 2 in 5 would welcome more traffic calming measures, while a slightly smaller number would like to see investment in the school facilities and footpath improvements. Of those making other suggestions for reinvestment, some suggested a village hall.
New Open Market Housing
1 in 4 residents (36 respondents) are interested in buying a newly-built/converted open market home in the next 10 years. Of these, 6 households are also interested in older people’s housing (5 wishing to buy their own homes and 1 to rent).
Their primary reasons for moving are downsizing, changes in family circumstances or they are currently renting and would like to buy in the Parish.
The small majority would like to move to a new house (56%). Remaining respondents would prefer to buy a bungalow or have no preference for either type of property. None want to buy a flat. 3 bed properties (39%) are preferred by most, followed by 2 bed and 4 bed homes. None are planning to buy a 1 bed property. An enclosed private garden and designated parking are top property features for more than 8 in 10 respondents, and around 2 in 3 would also like a garage. The maximum price respondents are prepare to pay is over £500,000. However, most would be looking to spend less than £350,000 (54%), and the largest group under £250,000 (23%).
Housing for Older People
12 respondents would be interested in moving to a purpose-built or converted older people’s home in the next 10 years, with many looking to move in 5-10 years (58%). 2 respondents indicated an affordable housing need, both needing to move in the short term. The small majority would consider a Property Exchange Scheme to help them downsize (58%).
The sizeable majority are looking for a home to buy (68%). 1 in 3 would like to rent their home. An even larger majority want to move to downsize (83%).
Half the respondents would like a 2 bed home, and bungalows are the most popular type of property.
5 respondents would need special adaptations to their future property, most needing a wet room/ adapted sanitary ware. 1 respondent could not remain in their present home if alterations, adaptations or support were provided. This respondent indicated a need to move as soon as possible, and a need for affordable housing – for which they appear likely to qualify from answers provided – they have submitted an application to Mendip District Council’s Housing Register.
Most people would be looking to spend up to £300,000 on this type of property.
P a g e | 4 Affordable Housing
10 respondents indicated a need for affordable housing in the next 5 years. 5 respondents are seeking Housing Association/Social Rental Housing, of which 3 have submitted applications to MDC’s Housing Register. 3 would like shared ownership properties and a similar number would like to self build.
2 households need to move immediately, and 2 others within the next 12 months. 3 will need to move in the next 1-3 years. The remaining households would move in the next 5 years.
Without further discussion with the LA Housing Officers it is not clear how well any of these respondents meet the local connection requirement for MDC – 8 already live in the Parish and 2 were born and grew up in the Parish and have strong family connections.
It would appear from the current information provided on income, savings and assets that most respondents would struggle to afford to buy a property on the open market in Butleigh.
Vacancies in the limited housing stock for socially rented homes in Butleigh Parish are unlikely to have a significant impact on any need identified in this report
Additional comments All comments and views expressed by respondents can be found in Appendix 2.
P a g e | 5 Findings
RESPONDENT PROFILE
Chart 1 – Gender Base: 132
There is a fairly even gender split, with marginally more female respondents (53%) to male respondents (47%) – Chart 1.
Chart 2 – Parish residency status Chart 3 – 2nd property in Parish Base: 143 Base:143
96% of respondents live in Butleigh Parish (138 households) – Chart 2.
5 respondents live outside the Parish – none own more than one property in the Parish. 2 of these respondents answered the affordable housing questions looking to move back into the Parish. 1 of the 5 remaining respondents has an address in the Parish which may be a second home since they have answered ‘no’ to permanent residency. The remaining respondents providing no address whereby their location could be identified.
5 respondents own more than 1 property in the Parish – Chart 3. 4 of them have lived in the Parish for 11+ years, with 2 letting some or all their property for holiday accommodation.
P a g e | 6 Chart 4 – Parish holiday accommodation Chart 5 – Length resident in Parish Base: 141 Base:141
5 respondents have properties which are used for holiday accommodation (4%) – Chart 4.
A sizeable majority of respondents are long-established Parish residents (67% resident 11+ years). However, nearly 1 in 4 have lived in the Parish less than 5 years (23% - 33 households) - Chart 5.
Chart 6 – Age Chart 7 – Overall household ages Base: 141 Base: 135 households with 344 people
There are marginally more working age respondents (<65yrs: 52% - 74 respondents), compared to those of retirement age (65+yrs: 48% - 67 respondents) – Chart 6. No young people took part in the survey (aged 24 and under), which is not unusual in surveys of this type conducted by CCS which are aimed at the head of a household.
Of those answering the question, 45-64 years olds and are the largest overall population group represented when looking at all household members (26% - 91 people). Those aged 65-74 are the next largest group at 22% - 77 people). Once again, there are fewer 25-44 year olds (14%) and 75+ (12%) - Chart 7. Further analysis shows around 1 in 3 households are families with children/young people aged 18 or under (33% - 44 families), and around 2 in 3 of them have children under 11 years – 30 families). Just 2 respondents are single parent families (1%).
P a g e | 7 Chart 8 – Butleigh Nursery/School – past Chart 9 – Butleigh Nursery/School – current pupils pupils Base: 140 Base: 135
For those answering the questions about Butleigh’s Nursery and Primary School, around 2 in 5 respondents are parents of past pupils (39% - 54 respondents) – Chart 8. This figure drops to 16% for parents of current pupils (22 respondents) – Chart 9. When comparing this to the previous findings for families with children under the age of 10 (30 families), around 3 in 4 families with young children are currently using these local amenities (73% - 22 families).
Chart 10 – Household size Chart 11 – Property size Base: 135 Base: 142
Most respondents live in a two person household (47% - 63 households) – Chart 10. 22 people live in a single person household (16%); 17 are retirement age and of these 7 are elderly (75%). Of these 22 single people, just 5 live in a 1 bed or 2 bed property (23%).
Over 4 in 5 respondents live in 3+ bed properties (84%), the largest groups living in 3 bed homes (34% - 48 households) and 4 bed houses (32% - 46 households) - Chart 11. Further analysis shows the majority 3+ bed homes (119 homes) have 2 or less occupants (57% - 68 homes). Just 6 households live in 1 bed properties.
P a g e | 8 OVERVIEW OF HOUSING NEEDS AND DEVELOPMENT IN BUTLEIGH
Chart 12 – Views on amount of current housing (to buy or rent) in Butleigh Parish Base: 137
94% of respondents expressed a view, and the majority (55% - 76 respondents) feel that more housing in needed in Butleigh Parish. Of these, 13% - 18 respondents, feel the Parish needs a lot more housing) - Chart 12.
Around 3 in 10 feel the level of housing is about right (31% - 43 respondents), while a small minority feel there is too much housing (2% - 3 respondents).
Chart 13a – Level of support for future Chart 13b – Level of support for future development in Butleigh Parish development in Butleigh - LOCAL Base: 134 CONNECTION Base: 138
92% of respondents expressed a view, and the majority of them would support future development in Butleigh (56% - 75 respondents) – Chart 13a. Around 2 in 10 would not support future development, while a similar proportion are undecided (22% respectively). Further analysis shows that 2 in 5 of those feeling more development is needed in the Parish would be looking for new housing in the future – open market, older or affordable (41% -31 respondents).
The proportion of support rises to more than 2 in 3 respondents (67% - 93 respondents) if future development was specifically for the housing needs of existing parishioners or people with genuine local connection to the Parish – Chart 13b.
P a g e | 9 Chart 14 – Type of housing needed most in the Parish Base: 135
Of the 93% respondents answering the question, the majority feel the Parish most needs medium- sized homes – 3 bedroom (61% - 82 respondents), with support also for smaller homes up to 2 bed (53% - 71 respondents) - Chart 14. Around 1 in 5 feel more housing for older people is needed, while a similar number repeated their earlier views expressed for no more development (19% respectively).
Chart 15 – Tenure types needed most Base: 120
Of the 83% of respondents with views, the majority feel Butleigh Parish needs more affordable homes to rent for people with a local connection to the Parish (59% - 71 respondents). Over 2 in 5 see more shared ownership/housing association homes as needed (45% - 54 respondents). While 1 in 3 would like to see more new-build open market homes (34% - 41 respondents). 1 in 5 would like more retirement housing (closely correlating the previous question), while 17% of respondents see more plots available for ‘self build’ as a viable option - Chart 15. A small number commented (8%) – more than half to reiterate their view for no more development. The remaining respondents elaborate on the options chosen in the question see Appendix 2. P a g e | 10 Chart 16 – Main concerns about future housing development in Butleigh Parish Base: 136
94% expressed a view, and over 2 in 3 respondents are most concerned that new development should support existing services – transport/shops/schools (68% - 92 respondents) – Chart 16. 6 in 10 are also concerned about the impact on road traffic (60% - 81 respondents). While more than half see new development as solution to encourage younger families into the Parish (55% - 57 respondents).
Over 1 in 4 respondents expanded on their concerns (28% - 38 respondents). Emerging themes are the pressure new development will place on existing amenities – viability of the school, services and infrastructure – in particular roads as well as flooding/sewerage issues. The effect that development may have on changing character of the village. The need for more housing for young local families. Comments can be found in Appendix 2.
SITE FEATURES AND PROPOSED DWELLINGS FOR ANY PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT SITES IN BUTLEIGH PARISH
Participants in the survey were encouraged to complete this section only if they supported future development in the Parish. Overall 86% of respondents had a view for some, or all, of the following 4 questions (124 respondents). 6 in 10 are respondents who support additional development in the Parish (60% - 75 respondents).
Chart 17 – Housing type supported for new developments Base: 117
P a g e | 11
The large majority answering the question would like new houses built using traditional design (81% - 95 respondents). 2 storey houses are also preferred by the majority (60% - 70 respondents), while just under half would support more bungalows in future development (45% - 53 respondents). Modern design is a consideration for nearly 3 in 10 (29% - 34 respondents), while flats are the least likely to be supported overall with just 10% of respondents choosing them (12 respondents) – Chart 17.
A small number commented (9%) which can be found in Appendix 2.
Chart 18 – Property size supported for open market homes Base: 114
79% of all respondents answered the question. Preference for property size is equal between 3 bed and 2 bed properties (80% - 91 respondents respectively). Slightly more support is shown here for 2 bed homes than in earlier findings - Chart 18.
Chart 19 – Sufficient provision to avoid on-road parking Base: 120
83% answered the question, and the overwhelming majority feel that any future development should have sufficient provision to avoid the need for road parking (91% - 109 respondents) - Chart 19.
P a g e | 12 Chart 20 – Main improvements resulting from re-investment Base: 118
4 in 5 respondents answered the question (81%). The majority would like to see the financial benefits to the community as a result of new development reinvested into improving or creating new pavements in the Parish (57% - 67 respondents). 2 in 5 would welcome more traffic calming measures (42% - 50 respondents), while a slightly smaller proportion would like to see investment in the school facilities (38% - 45 respondents). More than 1 in 3 would like footpaths improved (32% - 38 respondents). The minority would like money spent on cycle paths (18% - 21 respondents) – Chart 20.
28 respondents (24%) made other comments and suggestions. Quite a few suggested a village hall (8 respondents). Others would like investment in improvements to parking, pavements (particularly joining the pub to the centre of the village), broadband/mobile communications, playing fields, street lighting and traffic calming. See Appendix 2 for comments.
P a g e | 13 NEW OPEN MARKET HOUSING
1 in 4 residents would be interested in buying a newly-built/converted open market home in the next 10 years (25% - 36 respondents). Of these, 6 respondents also indicated interest in older people’s housing (5 wishing to buy their own homes, 1 to rent).
Chart 21 – Open market: reasons for moving Base: 36
Most people will need to move to downsize (33% - 12 respondents). Other main reasons for moving are changes in family circumstances (22% - 8 respondents), renting but want to buy (19% - 7 respondents), moving to a larger property (14% - 5 respondents) or their home is too expensive to run (11% - 4 respondents) - Chart 21.
1 respondent commented:
I would like to move back to Butleigh with my family. I grew up in Butleigh, attended the primary school and lived there for 25 years. Unfortunately when looking to buy my own home, I could not afford to buy in the village.
P a g e | 14 Chart 22 – Open market: type of property vs no. of bedrooms Base: 36
Houses are sought by the majority (56% - 20 respondents). Most would like to buy a 3 bedroom property (9 house, 1 bungalow, 4 either house or bungalow). 9 would like a 2 bedroom home (5 bungalow, 3 house, 1 either house or bungalow). 8 will be looking for a 4+ bedroom property (6 house, 2 bungalow). While the remaining 5 had not indicated the size of property. There is no requirement for a 1 bed property with any of these respondents – Chart 22.
Chart 23 – Open market: desired property features Base: 36
The large majority would like an enclosed private garden (83% - 30 respondents). Around 2 in 3 would like designated parking (64% - 23 respondents), and slightly fewer would like a garage (58% - 21 respondents) - Chart 23.
Other features sought by respondents are: Detached, affordable but not "affordable". Ground floor bedroom and bathroom. Small garden. Solar panels and eco efficiency. Workshop and bicycle storage. Edge of village.
P a g e | 15 Chart 24 – Open market: price Base: 35
The maximum price respondents are prepared to pay is over £500,000, however just over half the respondents would be looking to spend less than £350,000 (54% - 19 respondents) and the largest number under £250,000 (23% - 8 respondents) - Chart 24.
HOUSING FOR OLDER PEOPLE
Just under 1 in 10 residents would be interested in moving to a purpose-built or converted older people’s home in the next 10 years (8% - 12 households). 2 indicated an affordable housing need, both needing to move in the short term (1 in the next 12 months, the other within 3 years).
Chart 25 – Participation in a Property Exchange Scheme Base: 12
The small majority would consider registering for a Property Exchange Scheme in order to help them downsize (58% - 7 respondents) - Chart 25.
P a g e | 16 Chart 26 – Older people: timescale for moving Base: 12
Most respondents are looking to move in the longer term – 5-10 years (58% - 7 respondents) – Chart 26. The 2 respondents needing to move in the short term are those that are mentioned in the introduction to this Older People’s Housing section.
Chart 27 – Older people: preferred tenure Base: 12
The sizeable majority are looking for a home to buy (68% - 8 respondents). 1 in 3 would like to rent (33% - 4 respondents), while just 1 respondent would like an ‘affordable’ home to rent – Chart 27.
P a g e | 17 Chart 28 – Older people: reason for moving Base: 12
Most respondents wish to move to smaller homes (83% - 10 respondents). Half of them also feel a need to move to retain their independence (50% - 6 respondents). A small number are looking to be near family/friends (17% - 2 respondents), while 1 respondent will need physically adapted accommodation in the future - Chart 28.
Chart 29 – Older people: type of property vs no. of bedrooms Base: 12
Half the respondents would like a 2 bed property (50% - 6 respondents), and bungalow’s are the most popular choice (58% - 7 respondents) - Chart 29.
P a g e | 18 Chart 30 – Older people: special adaptations Base: 5
5 respondents (42%) would require special adaptations to their future property. The majority will need a wet room/adapted sanitary ware (4 respondents). Further analysis shows 1 respondent could not remain in their present home if alterations, adaptations or support were provided. This respondent indicated a need to move as soon as possible, and a need for affordable housing – for which they appear likely to qualify from their answers provided – they have submitted an application to Mendip District Council’s Housing Register.
Chart 31 – Could you remain in your home with special adaptations/support? Base: 13
All respondents answered the question, and overall 11 of them feel they could remain in their current home if adaptations were made (92%) – Chart 31.
P a g e | 19 Chart 32 – Older people: price Base: 12
Most respondents would spend between £201,000 - £300,000 on a new older people’s home (60% - 6 households [rental not counted]) - Chart 32. Those indicating rental only consider themselves in need of affordable housing.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
All comments and views expressed are attached in a separate Appendix 2.
P a g e | 20 AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Mendip District Council and CCS should refer to full summary data provided in Appendix 4.
In total 13 households indicated a need for affordable housing in the next 5 years. 10 households provided their contact details and full information. The remaining 3 respondents were discounted as they appear to be above the earnings/property ownership threshold to qualify for affordable housing – 2 want to self build or buy open market homes, furthermore 2 withheld permission to discuss their case with MDC.
Respondents 1-3 have all applied to MDC’s Housing Register, and respondents 4 will be submitting an application as a result of the survey. Respondents 1-5 are all seeking Housing Association/Social Rental Housing – 1 requires re-housing immediately, 2 within the next 12 months and 2 within the next 3 years – the majority of them rent privately. Respondents 4, 6 and 10 would like shared ownership properties, and respondents 7-9 are considering self build. Respondent 8 has moved away from the Parish and wants to return in the next 5 years to give family support. Respondent 10 would also like to return to the Parish (born and grew up in Butleigh). Some respondents did not answer all questions fully, particularly regarding income and may need further clarification if submitting an application to MDC (MDC Housing Officers to assess and advise).
P a g e | 21 Table 2 – Affordable Housing 10 respondents
(NA = no answer supplied)
Who Reasons to move Housing need + No. Preferred tenure LOCAL Lack of HOUSING needs to (BOLD = MAIN REASON) of beds CONNECTION suitable REGISTER move housing in STATUS Parish to
Responden t meet needs?
When move When 1 2 people Living in someone else’s home Now House Rent (Council/HA) Live in Parish Yes Application Family break up (2 bed) submitted 2 2 people Home too expensive <1 Bungalow or House Rent (Council/HA) Born & live in Yes Application Too large & in poor condition. Only heating (2 bed) Parish submitted wood & coal, no upstairs heating 3 2 people Home in poor condition 1-3 Bungalow or Flat (2 Rent (Council/HA) Live in Parish NA Application Need more security private renting bed) submitted To receive family support 4 3 people Need more security private renting 1-3 House Rent (Council/HA) or Born & live in Yes No – but will Home too expensive (2 bed) shared ownership Parish apply as a result of the survey 5 1 person Home too expensive <1 Flat Rent (Council/HA) Live in Parish NA No (2 bed) 6 1 person Living with parents Now House (1 bed) Shared ownership Born & live in Yes No Single setting up home Parish Give family support 7 2 people For work 5 Bungalow or House Self build Live in Parish Yes No To give family support (3 bed) on & off 8 4 people Give family support 5 Bungalow (4 bed) Self build Grew up in Yes No Moved away would like to return Parish – want to return 9 4 people Renting want to buy 5 House Self build Live in Parish No No Need more security private renting (3 bed) 10 3 people Home too small 1-3 House Shared ownership Born & grew Yes No (3 bed) up in Parish – want to return
P a g e | 22
Appendix 1 – Questionnaire
Appendix 2 – Verbatim comments [comment/links in square brackets are the surveyor’s] Where respondents have commented on multiple issues, comments are generally sorted according to the first aspect commented on
Q15 – TENANCY TYPES Bungalows for older folk to downsize into. Would like family members to be able to self build on land we already own. These should have been given priority in times past on areas like the hospital site. The village should now be largely exempt from further development. None (6)
Q16 – FUTURE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT CONCERNS (grouped under primary concern stated) Development issues/infrastructure 1) Mendip DC's house numbers must include those on the former hospital site. 2) There must be no estates, the rural village nature of Butleigh should be preserved. 3) Avoid dangerous or inappropriate locations. 4) Flooding risk to homes in village if any developments on West Side (along sub road) 5) Parish Council should support residents, not landowners and developers. Under no circumstances should further development in Butleigh until roads and infrastructure are improved:- on Baltonsborough Road, from one of the surface water drains for road, such charming items as tampons appear in the road in the section with houses. Toilet tissue appears on the roads from manhole covers in times of rain. Are we living in the third world? About 90% of traffic on sub road break the 30mph limit. Most of Sub Road has no pavement. The 20mph limit on Baltonsborough Road is frequently ignored! The infrastructure such as drainage is already inadequate to support the current levels of development. Stop people buying small houses and enlarging and doubling the size of it and pricing people out of the village. Affordable homes are very important but the appearance and quality of housing is still a concern. I am reluctant to give my support completely until the style of the houses is made realistic. It needs to be an appropriate sites preferably using local materials to blend in with the housing stock already there. Stop the large houses taking over! Overpriced houses for landowners who don't appreciate village/rural life! Parking, pavements, street lighting in (central) Butleigh are all inadequate and would need to be upgraded if any more housing is to be provided. There should be sufficient off road parking and whilst something geared towards parishioners, there needs to be a filling of the funnel. There is 'affordable housing' for the lower end of the market and ridiculously priced housing for..well, Millfield parents. There's nothing in the middle. We don't need any more houses that are used as part time homes for children at Millfield. We are concerned about the impact on open spaces in the parish. That it is a money grabbing affair and that they want to build homes in unsuitable locations that overcrowd any homes already in place and increase the stress on the surface water/ flood management of the village.
Amenities & Services Bus service is appalling. There are not many buses to Street or Wells available. I am concerned for the continuing viability of the village school. Does the school have enough capacity for more children if more homes were available? We need to ensure that the nursery play group and primary school continue to be viable.
Lack of facilities - Dr surgeries, shops, recreational centres etc. mean that they would all have to be accessed by car in neighbouring towns. The village should keep its integrity as a village with its green open spaces defining its boundaries + its character as a village. No concern, more housing is essential for the entrance of school, shop, pub etc. There's only 1 shop and few buses. More housing isn't adequately supported by the infrastructure.
Traffic Speed restrictions with speed bumps through the centre of the village, main road. For various reasons, the main one being the speed on Sub Road, we are in the process of moving to a more wheelchair friendly environment. Development on Sub Road could necessitate a more determined policy with regard to the speeding traffic there. We have worked very hard to move into the village we lost, we are very worried about the impact of traffic, parking and damage to the landscape. We like/love that Butleigh is small and that there are a lot of housing options. We bought into Butleigh for small quiet village life, we saved very hard to move here! We would prefer no new housing - it makes the village less desirable and current houses become cheaper.
Younger families/Affordable The housing should be affordable. More families with younger children would help the school and the local shop. We would warmly welcome future housing developments. There is a need for more younger families here to support the school + community as a whole. Desperately need to encourage more families with younger children into the village to bolster school numbers and use local businesses. Too many 'Millfield' families who buy property (often as a second home) as an interim pied-a- terre and move out after 2yrs once Millfield education complete. They do not invest/ participate in the community. We need young families for the village school, not families using Butleigh as a base for Millfield. I feel a village needs young people to "keep it viable" as a vibrant place to live as well as older residents. You encourage the wrong sort of person to aspire to live in the village by providing affordable housing. We will be a suburb of Street if a housing estate goes up. Then no one will aspire to live here, the village atmosphere will be dead and it’s too late to back pedal. House prices will fall. Get off their backside and earn the money to live in the village. We can’t all have what we want in life! My main concern is to ensure sufficient accommodation for younger - affluent residents with pre-existing connections to the area.
Environment The existing sewage and drainage systems are already over loaded and do not adequately service current residents. During heavy rainfall raw sewage breaches drain covers on the high street. Flood drainage and sewerage system is a problem now without more houses. The 15 houses on the old Butleigh hospital site are not included in the number of houses needed to be built in the parish in the next 15 years. They need to be brought into the equation. They are 3 years or so old and still not all are sold. - There is a good variety of housing in Butleigh. There is no more room for further development which would spoil the character of the village. Impact on wildlife - noise, light pollution, loss of habitats. Drainage of surface water. If houses built to West of sub road surface water run-off is likely to flood dwellings lower down in centre of village. This happens in bad weather already. Local soils are impervious clays.
Character of the village It will change the village feel, I feel older people would be better closer to the move complete services of Street. Butleigh should not be developed to accommodate Millfield. Butleigh should not be further developed unless adequate services are available and this will NEVER happen as Public Services constantly contract.
I am concerned that further development of Butleigh Parish will ruin it.
Generally The important issue is employment of Butleigh residents. The houses provided should support the needs of locally employed people (and those who commute 25 miles).
Q17– FUTURE DEVELOPMENT HOUSING TYPES A careful mixture of the above to encourage a balanced society. All types really. Any property suitable for young families and affordable. If very occasionally it is appropriate without compromising the character of the village to give planning permission. This should be for a one off individual home of modest size. Suitable perhaps for social housing/shared private/Association ownership NOT estates of any kind. Individual houses - not estates or urban style groups. Not flats. Depends on location for other building and styles. Nothing above 2 stories. Self build. Self build sustainable. Small units for older people - self-contained with kitchen, bathroom etc. designed in mini community hubs to promote inclusion Traditional materials. Maybe flats if over workshops for small business. No more urban style 3 storey town house clad in concrete please!
Q20– REINVESTMENT OF FINANCIAL BENEFITS FOLLOWING FUTURE DEVELOPMENT Village Hall Village hall needed. (5) Supporting the build of a village hall. Village hall of some kind to replace Church room. Assistance towards local community meeting venue.
Parking Dedicated parking areas particularly for the school Double yellow lines up the high street and make people park off road. It’s gridlock. Off road parking . Parking. Parking for cars.
Pavements A proper pavement from pub to centre of village. Footpath in main sub road to pub. Footpath to the pub. Safe pedestrian path from the centre of the village to the public house. Pavement from Grenville court to village.
Broadband/communications Fibre optic broadband, 4g, 5g.
Improved internet services and mobile phone services e.g. higher fibre-optic speeds and available mobile signal. better Wi-Fi and mobile signal.
Playing fields Playing fields - local services accessible to all. Playing fields expansion.
Lighting Additional street lighting. Street lighting.
Traffic speed Enforcement of speed limits and install "rumble strips" near junctions. Install street lighting at junctions Extend 20mph to include entire village.
Other Support for village shop. Public transport. Sport. Village energy production scheme on a green/renewable basis. Wildlife conservation areas, tree planting schemes, maybe community orchard. In fighting further developments.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
We should aim to preserve a balanced demographic in the Parish, in order to preserve the village as a primary village in the future. We are 3 households living at the same address, due to local housing shortage of long-term affordable rentable homes. Buying a house on Mendip, for those on government 'living wage' is not possible. This survey is filled in from viewpoint of the 2 senior members (myself and husband). Our other 2 households will submit online surveys. My child no longer attends the primary school as I didn't find the standard to be very good. My child now travels to another state school. I now have concerns for the secondary state provision which could drive me out of the village in the future! (I am a teacher myself). In my opinion Butleigh is not a good catchment for free schooling. High percentages of school age children in the village do not attend the allocated provision through the council (Butleigh + St Dunstan) and therefore pay for travel or private education. Before any further development proceeds we should ensure the current infrastructure can manage. - School size and facilities - Roads - Local buses - Gas supplies and broadband (fibreoptic) to all houses. We presently rent as prices to buy as prohibitive. We owned our house for 11 years and used it initially for a weekend retreat. When we retired a few years ago, we moved to Butleigh as our full time retirement home. We saved and worked very hard to buy in the village of Butleigh, where we grew up. We will be entending our home + planning permission has been granted, although we did not get what we would have wanted we were attracted to Butliegh because of how it is now. We would be very concerned that: Property value would go down - be cheaper -
not good for us. Damage to the beautiful area/village. Impact of infill living - experienced big [problems] in past before we moved to Butleigh. Where we live it is quite expensive - it is why we bought here.
Appendix 3 – Full Survey Results Summary Tables
YOUR HOUSEHOLD
1. Is your permanent residence in Butleigh Parish?
Answer Options Response Percent Response Count
Yes 95.8% 137 No 4.2% 6 answered question 143 skipped question 2
2. Do you own more than one property in the Parish?
Answer Options Response Percent Response Count
Yes 3.5% 5 No 96.5% 138 answered question 143 skipped question 2
3. Is any part of your property/properties in the Parish used for holiday accommodation?
Answer Options Response Percent Response Count
Yes 3.5% 5 No 96.5% 136 answered question 141 skipped question 4
4. How long have you lived in Butleigh Parish?
Answer Options Response Percent Response Count
Less than 5 years 23.4% 33 5-10 years 9.9% 14 11-20 years 25.5% 36 21-30 years 19.9% 28 30+ years 21.3% 30 answered question 141 skipped question 4
5. How old are you?
Answer Options Response Percent Response Count
0-18 0.0% 0 19-24 0.0% 0 25-44 16.3% 23
45-64 36.2% 51 65-74 30.5% 43 75+ 17.0% 24 answered question 141 skipped question 4
6. Are you?
Answer Options Response Percent Response Count
Male 46.9% 61 Female 53.1% 69 answered question 130 skipped question 15
7. Please tell us the number of people living in your home, in each of the following age groups: (please add a number in the relevant boxes) Response Answer Options Response Percent Response Total Count 0-4 years 5% 18 15 5-10 years 9% 32 21 11-18 years 7% 25 19 19-24 years 3% 11 8 25-44 years 14% 49 26 45-64 years 26% 91 54 65-74 years 22% 77 51 75+ years 12% 41 28 answered question 135 skipped question 10
8. Have any children in your household attended Butleigh Nursery or CofE Primary School in the past? Answer Options Response Percent Response Count
Yes 38.6% 54 No 61.4% 86 answered question 140 skipped question 5
9. Do any children in your household attend Butleigh Nursery or CofE Primary School now?
Answer Options Response Percent Response Count
Yes 16.3% 22 No 83.7% 113 answered question 135 skipped question 10
10. How many bedrooms are there in your house?
Answer Options Response Percent Response Count
1 bedroom 4.2% 6 2 bedrooms 12.0% 17 3 bedrooms 33.8% 48 4 bedrooms 32.4% 46 5 bedrooms 13.4% 19 6+ bedrooms please 4.2% 6 state number answered question 142 skipped question 3 PART 2 - FUTURE DEVELOPMENT IN BUTLEIGH
11. What do you think about the amount of housing (to buy or rent) currently available in Butleigh Parish? Answer Options Response Percent Response Count
Need a lot more 13% 18 Need a few more 42% 58 About right 31% 43 Too many already 2% 3 No opinion 11% 15 answered question 137 skipped question 8
12. Would you support future development in Butleigh Parish?
Answer Options Response Percent Response Count
Yes 56.0% 75 No 21.6% 29 Don't know 22.4% 30 answered question 134 skipped question 11
13. Would you support future development in the Parish specifically to meet the housing needs of Butleigh Parishioners or those with a genuine local connection to the Parish? Answer Options Response Percent Response Count
Yes 67.4% 93 No 21.0% 29 Don't know 11.6% 16 answered question 138 skipped question 7
14. Which types//size of housing, if any, does Butleigh Parish need the most? (tick no more than 2) Answer Options Response Percent Response Count
Medium homes - 3 60.7% 82 bedroom Small homes - up to 2 52.6% 71 bedroom No more homes needed 19.3% 26 Older people’s housing 18.5% 25 Flats – up to 2 bedroom 7.4% 10 Large homes - 4 to 5 5.9% 8 bedroom answered question 135 skipped question 10
15. Which tenancy types, if any, do you feel are needed the most in the Parish? (tick no more than 2) Answer Options Response Percent Response Count
‘Affordable’ homes to rent (local needs – those 59.2% 71 unable to afford open market homes) Shared ownership (part mortgage, part housing 45.0% 54 association rent) Open-market homes to 34.2% 41 buy or rent Retirement housing/flats 20.8% 25 to buy or rent Plots for sale for ‘self- 16.7% 20 build’ Other (please tell us) 7.5% 9 answered question 120 skipped question 25
16. What, if any, are your main concerns about future housing development in Butleigh Parish? Answer Options Response Percent Response Count
That it should support existing services 67.6% 92 (transport/shops/schools etc.) Impact on road traffic 59.6% 81 That it should encourage younger families into the 55.1% 75 Parish Please tell us more 38 answered question 136 skipped question 9
17. Which of the following would you support in any proposed housing developments in Butleigh? Answer Options Response Percent Response Count
Traditional design 81.2% 95
2 storey houses 59.8% 70 Bungalow 45.3% 53 Modern design 29.1% 34 Flats 10.3% 12 Other (please tell us) 9.4% 11 answered question 117 skipped question 28
18. Which size properties you would support?
Answer Options Response Percent Response Count
1 bedroom 21.1% 24 2 bedrooms 79.8% 91 3 bedrooms 79.8% 91 4 or more bedrooms 18.4% 21 answered question 114 skipped question 31
19. Do you think on-street parking should be avoided in any future development site?
Answer Options Response Percent Response Count
Yes 90.8% 109 No 4.2% 5 No opinion 5.0% 6 answered question 120 skipped question 25
20. When new housing takes place in the Parish how would you like any financial benefits reinvested? Answer Options Response Percent Response Count
Improved or new 56.8% 67 pavements Traffic calming 42.4% 50 School facilities 38.1% 45 Improving footpaths 32.2% 38 Cycle path 17.8% 21 No opinion 7.6% 9 Other (please tell us) 23.7% 28 answered question 118 skipped question 27 PART 3 – NEW OPEN MARKET HOUSING
21. Are you interested in buying an ‘open market’ home in the Parish at some point in the next 10 years? Answer Options Response Percent Response Count
Yes 24.8% 36 No 75.2% 109
answered question 145 skipped question 0
22. What are your reasons for wanting to move to a newly-built or newly-converted property in Butleigh Parish? (tick any that apply) Answer Options Response Percent Response Count
My home is too large 33.3% 12 Change in family 22.2% 8 circumstances Currently renting wish to 19.4% 7 buy My home is too 11.1% 5 expensive to run My home is too small 13.9% 4 My home has negative 8.3% 3 features My home lacks facilities (e.g. no garden/parking, 5.6% 2 one toilet) Other (please tell us) 16.7% 6 answered question 36 skipped question 109
23. What type of property would you prefer?
Answer Options Response Percent Response Count
House 55.6% 20 Bungalow 25.0% 9 House or Bungalow 16.7% 6 Flat 0.0% 0 Unknown 2.8% 1 answered question 36 skipped question 109
24. How many bedrooms would you need?
Answer Options Response Percent Response Count
1 bedroom 0.0% 0 2 bedrooms 28.1% 9 3 bedrooms 46.9% 15 4 or more bedrooms 25.0% 8 answered question 32 skipped question 113
25. Which of the following additional features would you like the property to have? (tick any that apply) Answer Options Response Percent Response Count
Enclosed, private garden 83.3% 30
Designated parking 63.9% 23 Garage 58.3% 21 Other (please tell us) 16.7% 6 answered question 36 skipped question 109
26. What would be the maximum you would be prepared to spend on a new property in Butleigh Parish? Answer Options Response Percent Response Count
Less than £200,000 22.9% 8 £201,000 - £250,000 11.4% 4 £251,000 - £300,000 8.6% 3 £301,000 - £350,000 11.4% 4 £351,000 - £400,000 17.1% 6 £401,000 - £450,000 14.3% 5 £451,000 - £500,000 2.9% 1 Over £500,000 11.4% 4 answered question 35 skipped question 110 PART 4 – HOUSING FOR OLDER PEOPLE
27. Are you interested in moving into the Older People’s accommodation in Butleigh Parish at some point in the next 10 years? Answer Options Response Percent Response Count
Yes 8.3% 12 No 91.7% 133 answered question 145 skipped question 0
28. Would you consider registering for a ‘Property Exchange Scheme’ if you wanted to downsize? Answer Options Response Percent Response Count
Yes 58.3% 7 No 41.7% 5 answered question 12 skipped question 133
29. Which of the following Older People’s accommodation would you be interested in the Parish? (tick any that apply) Answer Options Response Percent Response Count
Home to buy 66.7% 8 Home to rent 33.3% 4 Affordable' home to rent (for those in housing 8.3% 1 need unable to afford to buy open market homes)
Shared ownership property (part buy, part 0.0% 0 rent) Other (please tell us) 0.0% 0 answered question 12 skipped question 133
30. How soon do you think you might need this accommodation?
Answer Options Response Percent Response Count
As soon as possible 8.3% 1 In the next 2 years 8.3% 1 In the next 5 years 25.0% 3 In 5-10 years 58.3% 7 answered question 12 skipped question 133
31. Why are you interested in Older People’s accommodation in the Parish?
Answer Options Response Percent Response Count
Need smaller accommodation 83.3% 10 (downsize) To stay independent 50.0% 6 To be closer to friends 16.7% 2 and family Need physically-adapted 8.3% 1 accommodation Need larger 0.0% 0 accommodation Other (please tell us) 8.3% 1 answered question 12 skipped question 133
32. What type of property would you prefer?
Answer Options Response Percent Response Count
Bungalow 83.3% 10 House 25.0% 3 Flat/apartment 8.3% 1 No preference 0.0% 0 answered question 12 skipped question 133
33. How many bedrooms would you need?
Answer Options Response Percent Response Count
1 bedroom 11.1% 1
2 bedrooms 55.6% 5 3 bedrooms 22.2% 2 4 or more bedrooms 11.1% 1 answered question 9 skipped question 136
34. If you would require any special adaptation for a disability/infirmity, which of the following would you need? (tick any that apply) Answer Options Response Percent Response Count
Wet room or specially 80.0% 4 adapted sanitary ware Grab rails 40.0% 2 Wheelchair access 40.0% 2 Stair lift 20.0% 1 Other (please tell us) 40.0% 2 answered question 5 skipped question 140
35. Could you remain in your present home if alterations, adaptations or support were provided? Answer Options Response Percent Response Count
Yes 91.7% 11 No 8.3% 1 answered question 12 skipped question 133
36. What would be the maximum you would be prepared to spend on a new Older People’s home? Answer Options Response Percent Response Count
Less than £100,000 8.3% 1 £101,000 - £200,000 8.3% 1 £201,000 - £300,000 50.0% 6 More than £300,000 16.7% 2 Not applicable, 16.7% 2 interested in rental only answered question 12 skipped question 133 PART 5 – AFFORDABLE HOUSING – (DETAILED RESULTS TO MDC/CCS ONLY)
37. Within the next 5 years is any member of your household likely to be in need of affordable accommodation as they are unable to afford housing on the open market in Butleigh Parish? Answer Options Response Percent Response Count
Yes 9.0% 13 No 91.0% 132 answered question 145 skipped question 0