Issue - meetings

"Identifying the need for rural housing and the part played by the rural housing enabler."

The Chairman introduced Mr. A. Coel - Strategic Housing Manager at Bromsgrove District Council - to the meeting.

Mr. Coel gave a presentation on identifying the need for rural housing and the part played by the rural housing enabler.

The presentation covered the role of the Strategic Housing Section, housing priorities and how the priorities could be met through partnership working.  In particular, there needed to be a focus on working with the rural housing enabler (at present Nigel Potter) to identify with the Parish Councils the local housing needs and where appropriate provide small scale new Affordable Housing.

Members of the Forum raised a number of questions with Mr. Coel and reference was made to recent planning applications at Alvechurch and Stoke Prior.  The importance of undertaking Housing Need Surveys within Parishes, to provide supporting evidence for suitable planning applications was also discussed. Parish Councils could often assist with local publicity, distribution of information etc. which could reduce the costs involved.

At the request of the Forum, Mr. Coel undertook to circulate a copy of the presentation for information.