These are challenging times for the South Hams.  If 2020 has taught us anything, it is the importance of our homes and where we live.

This week, we've launched a seven-week consultation to find out your views on our proposed Housing Strategy 2021-2026. Titled Better Homes, Better Lives, we've set out a series of priorities around housing, which will help support the health and wellbeing of residents whilst recognising the unique qualities of the local area.

Many important local issues are highlighted in the strategy. These include:

• The need for quality, affordable housing
• Access to the Disabled Facilities Grant to fund essential adaptations in homes and to promote independent living
• The role that the planning of housing can play in meeting climate change targets

This is your opportunity to help shape housing priorities for the future of our communities.  Public feedback is vital to the success of the plan and will help us to identify if any significant changes need to be made before it is formally adopted.

To make sure our plans truly meet local need, we now want our residents to join in the conversation.

To make this easier for more people, we’ve got a choice of ways to have your say. We’ve got a short online survey that should only take a few minutes to complete.

We’re also planning a series of mini-surveys on Facebook and Twitter. These make it simple to share your views and we hope they will encourage even more people to get involved.

Cllr Hilary Bastone, Deputy Leader

To make sure everyone has a chance to join the conversation, there are several ways to have your say.

Firstly, you can complete the online survey at www.southhams.gov.uk/sh-housing-strategy

This should only take a few minutes of your time.

A series of super-quick 10-second polls will also run across the Councils’ Facebook, Instagram and Twitter feeds. These are designed to capture local views on some of the most important elements of the strategy.

To take part, please follow us on:

• Twitter @SouthHamsDC 
• Facebook @southhamsdistrictcouncil
• Instagram @south.hams 

Please also share your comments or send us a direct message.

The consultation runs until 10am on 1 February 2021 and alternative formats are available on request.

The Housing Strategy focuses on six important themes:

Housing for Place

• Ensuring sustainable housing growth
• Promote balanced and sustainable communities
• Ensuring that homes support the health and wellbeing of the area

Housing for People

• Homes that support the health and wellbeing of our residents
• Make the best use and improve quality of existing housing
• Ensuring that people can access the support and advice they require

Both Councils have declared a climate emergency and greener initiatives that deliver on carbon reduction, green energy and improving homes in a sustainable way are key aspects of this strategy.

Download the full pdf document here: 

Housing Strategy | southhamsengagement