Bakewell housing survey

Local people with a connection to Bakewell are being encouraged to take part in an online survey about their housing needs.

Derbyshire Dales District Council wants to hear from people who are living in accommodation that is unsuitable for them. For example, this could be young people interested in setting up a home for the first time, families needing a bigger home, people struggling in high cost rented homes and older people who may have a need to downsize.

A District Council spokesperson said: “For many people, finding a home that is affordable in the Peak District can be a real challenge – and local shops and services, which help to keep our communities sustainable and vibrant, are put under pressure as the population changes.

“Our key corporate priorities include enabling new homes for local people and supporting the local economy – that’s why we are working in partnership with local parish councils and other community groups to deliver more housing.”

A postcard inserted within the Peak Advertiser inviting residents to take part in the survey will be posted through every letterbox in Bakewell.

The spokesperson added: “We have a strong track record of building small developments of sensitively planned affordable homes within the Peak District National Park. You can see recent examples in many parts of the national park, including Youlgrave, Elton and Winster. These are all occupied by people with a strong local connection to those villages and towns.

“We believe that there is a growing need to build affordable homes for local people in Bakewell.

“However, before any options are considered, we need the community to help us identify what the housing need is. That’s why we’re calling on residents – or former residents with a strong local connection who have moved away and wish to return – to tell us about their housing issues.”

The survey can be completed online at www.derbyshiredales.gov.uk/BakewellHNS.

Alternatively, you can attend the drop-in session at The Agricultural Business Centre, Bakewell, DE45 1AH on Friday 3 March, between 10am-2pm if you require assistance filling in the survey.

For any queries please contact the District Council’s Rural Housing Enabler, Jeremy Mason, on 01629 761256, Jeremy.Mason@derbyshiredales.gov.uk before the deadline of 12th March. A paper copy of the survey can also be requested.