Thousands of new homes are needed in South Gloucestershire to match a major population rise expected in the coming years, according to the council's 30-year housing strategy draft. The plan, which was launched by South Gloucestershire Council this month, says that 28,000 homes will be needed by 2040 because the population of the county is expected to grow by 17 percent by 2037.
In 2020, the population was 287,816, and it is projected to rise to 354,300 by 2043. The housing strategy sets out the council's plans and rules for planning and building accommodation until 2052.
It says that, of the 28,000 homes that are needed, 7,500 should be 'affordable' - around 27 per cent. The strategy says: "The main challenge is to provide enough affordable housing and housing which meets the needs of specific groups, such as older people and families."
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In the past five years, the council says 8,000 homes have been built in the county, the equivalent of 1,600 per year. If housebuilding continues at the same rate until 2040 then that target would be met.
The council does not have its own housing stock, but says that it ensures that other organisations build new homes through 'contractual arrangements, service level agreements and strong policies'. As part of its strategy, the authority is promising that all new housing, regeneration and retrofitting of existing homes in South Gloucestershire must achieve net zero carbon impact by 2030.
South Gloucestershire Council cabinet member with responsibility for the housing strategy, councillor Ben Stokes, said: “In 30 years’ time we want everyone in South Gloucestershire to live in a healthy, affordable, low-energy and low-carbon, climate resilient home that meets their needs. And we want those homes to be in safe, sustainable, and thriving local communities which are accessible to everyone.
“To help make that future a reality, we need to set out our vision clearly now, and then use it as a guide to inform the detailed plans and decisions that will be need to taken going forward. I think the whole community can come together around the idea that we need to grow sustainably, according to not just a plan but a vision, to make safe and secure housing available to all.
"We all need a home that meets our needs and contributes positively to the communities and neighbourhoods where we live. We want to talk to and hear from residents to refine what should be a shared vision for the future of South Gloucestershire.
"We want local people to read and understand this strategy, to let us know what it means to them, so that together we can make plans for generations to come.”
The public are being consulted on the strategy until September 1, 2022. The council says that while the strategy's scope covers the next thirty years, it will be routinely reviewed throughout that time to allow them to adapt to changing views, planning laws and priorities.
To read the draft Housing Strategy and take part in the consultation, click here.
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