Survey launched to identify affordable housing need in Dorset parish

Work has started today to find out how many people with a local connection to Church Knowle, East Creech and Furzebrook want to live there but can’t because of unaffordable homes.

The survey is looking for responses from people who either live in the parish, work there but commute, have family in the area or have recently moved away.

The results of the 4-week survey, will feed into the Neighbourhood Plan and is in addition to a previous survey carried out in 2022. It will also form part of a thorough needs analysis to identify the right type of housing for the parish.  

Jacqui Cuff, Rural Housing Enabler for Dorset said:

“Dorset Council, the Parish Council and Dorset Community Action are working together to help us understand the housing need in the area.

“This is an opportunity for those who have a connection to Church Knowle parish, either through residency, family or work to have a say in future development.  It is very important that we reach as many people, with that local connection, as possible, for the community housing need and views regarding a small-scale affordable housing scheme, to be properly recorded and considered.

“The feedback will help sustain a thriving community, for the future and with the help of the community, we can evidence the housing we need at local level.”  

The survey should take between 5 and 15 minutes to complete online, and we are offering alternative ways to complete it, so we can gather as many responses as possible.”  

The survey runs from 2 April 2025 to 30 April 2025 and can be accessed here Church Knowle Housing Needs Survey - Dorset Council - Citizen Space 

If you would like us to send you a paper copy of the survey, need help completing the survey or have any questions please contact the Dorset Council Housing Enabling Team: housingenabling@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk and 01305 252443