ASTON –ON-TRENT
HOUSING NEEDS
SURVEY
Midlands Rural Housing
in partnership with
South Derbyshire District Council,
East Midlands Housing Association
and Aston-on-Trent Parish Council
October 2006
Thank you to the residents
of Aston-on-Trent Parish for
their help and support with
this survey.
2
Executive Summary
Contents
4
1. Introduction
5
2. Purpose of the Study
5
3. Housing Costs
6
4. Availability of Affordable Housing
7
5. Planning Context
7
6.Res
pondent
s
’Det
ai
l
s
6.1. Age Profile
6.2. Household Size & Mix
6.3. Tenure of all Respondents
6.4. Property Type
6.5. Ethnicity
6.6. Migration
8
8
9
9
10
10
11
7. Sustainability Issues
12
8. Local Support for a Small Housing Development
13
9. Housing Needs Analysis
9.1. Local Connection
9.2. Residency
9.3. Housing Tenure
9.4. Respondents in Need Details
14
14
15
15
16
10. Numbers Registered on Waiting List
19
11. Conclusions & Recommendations
20
12. Acknowledgements
22
Appendix A: Comments Regarding Facilities
23
Appendix B: Comments Regarding a Small-Scale Development 24
3
Executive Summary
Midlands Rural Housing completed a Housing Needs Survey in Aston-on-Trent
during September 2006, to assess the housing need in the parish. As well as
requesting specific housing information, the survey asks some general
questions relating to the quality of life in the parish.
Midlands Rural Housing works with local authorities and other partners to
increase the availability of affordable homes for local people. Affordable
housing may be provided through both rental and shared ownership schemes
and is for people with a strong connection to the parish.
Aston is a sought after, popular village in which to live. The existing housing
stock is well balanced, with equal numbers of small and family sized homes.
There is also a good supply of bungalows which are frequently preferred by
the elderly. There are a high number of owner/occupied properties and a very
low ratio of rental properties.
There is a low turnover of property, which combined with the low level of
rentals available, results in a shortage of supply and consequent high house
prices. House prices in Aston-on-Trent are prohibitively expensive for people
on low incomes and South Derbyshire District Council currently has a waiting
list of 40 applications for housing in Aston-on-Trent parish.
The population is ageing and the number of children under 16 is lower than
expected. A high number of young people leave the parish to find affordable
housing.
There is an acute shortage of starter homes and affordable homes for young
families. 62% of respondents were in favour of developing a small affordable
housing scheme in the parish.
A total of 13 respondents with a housing need were identified. This figure has
been discounted to a final total of 9. The resulting breakdown is:2 x 2-bed houses for rent
3 x 2-bed houses for shared ownership
1 x 2-bed bungalow for shared ownership
3 x 3-bed houses for shared ownership
Our recommendation is that a mixed development of nine
affordable dwellings should be considered to alleviate the current
housing needs in Aston-on-Trent.
4
1. Introduction
Midlands Rural Housing works with local authorities and other partners to
increase the availability of affordable homes for local people in rural areas.
In 2005 MRH established the Trent Valley Partnership to work closely with
authorities in the East Midlands region.
South Derbyshire District Council and East Midlands Housing Association
are partners of the Trent Valley Partnership. In South Derbyshire, during
the period of 2005 to 2007, the partnership will be working with Midlands
Rural Housing and parish councils to undertake Housing Needs Studies in
all the district
’
srural parishes and identify opportunities for the
development of affordable housing within the district. Rural parishes are
those with a population of fewer than 3000 people.
This needs study looks at the shortfall in housing in Aston-on-Trent Parish.
Aston currently has a population of 1,532 (2001 Census) and 659 survey
forms were produced for distribution to residents throughout the parish.
During September 2006, Midlands Rural Housing and South Derbyshire
District Council worked together to deliver a Housing Needs Survey form
to every household in the parish. The return date for the survey was 30th
September 2006 and returns were made vi
aa‘
Fr
eepos
t
’envel
opedi
r
ec
t
l
y
to Midlands Rural Housing.
2. Purpose of the Survey
The aim of the survey was to assess the housing need in the parish of
Aston-on-Trent, in order to provide South Derbyshire District Council with
the information it requires to meet local housing needs.
5
3. Housing Costs
Property Values: Apr - Jun 2006 - South Derbyshire
Av Detached
Av Semi
Av Terrace
Av Flat
Av
Overall
Total
No.
of
Sales
£
227,485
£
135,852
£
113,922
£
113,996
Price
£
156,243
231,494
131,221
112,237
125,809
155,632
3,700
South
Derbyshire
233,790
Source: Land Registry 2006
135,089
116,208
135,360
168,824
545
East Midlands
Derbyshire
The table above provides a comparison of the property prices across the
East Midlands Region, the County of Derbyshire and South Derbyshire
District. It shows that, across the board, prices in South Derbyshire are
considerably higher than elsewhere in the region. A family wanting to
purchase an average terrace house would need to be earning
approximately £30,000 per annum to secure a mortgage.
Data from the Land Registry shows the following average house prices in
Aston-on-Trent (Postcode DE72 2**), based on sales between Jan –Jun
2006.
Detached - £279,382 (Based on 24 sales)
Semi-Detached –£141,983 (Based on 3 sales)
Terraced –£152,916 (Based on 6 sales)
Overall - £243,897 (Based on 33 sales)
As can be seen from a comparison with the previous table, house
prices in Aston-on-Trent are substantially higher than in South
Derbyshire as a whole and would be prohibitively expensive for
people on low incomes.
6
22,576
4. Availability of Affordable Housing in South Derbyshire
TheDi
s
t
r
i
c
t
’
sHous
i
ngMar
k
etandNeedsSt
udyf
or2002shows that, not
only are open market prices becoming prohibitively high, but also that
levels of rented properties available from both the District
Council and Housing Associations, are falling by around 120-150
properties per year due to the Right to Buy scheme.
TheDi
s
t
r
i
c
t
’
sHous
i
ngMar
k
etandNeedsSt
udyf
or2002outlines the need
for an additional 160 affordable properties per year, throughout
the district.
28% of the new supply of housing within the district should be
affordable to meet housing needs.
TheDi
s
t
r
i
c
t
’
sHous
i
ngMar
k
etandNeedsSt
udyf
or2002states that first
choice of locations for council houses tends to reflect a strong preference
for the village or areas where the household has a strong connection. One
of the main areas for this requirement is in villages.
5. Planning Context
Planning policy at national, regional and local levels imposes strict
restraints on new housing development in rural areas. However, it is
possible to relax such constraints in exceptional circumstances, e.g.:
where new housing would meet a specific, locally identified, need.
Policy H10 of the Adopted South Derbyshire Local Plan (1998): affordable
Housing in Rural Areas, outlines the means by which local communities
can engage with the planning process to bring about developments that
meett
hei
r‘
l
oc
al
’hous
i
ngneeds
.
The provision of any housing that may be provided as a result of this
survey would be subject to a legal restriction (known as an S106
agreement) being placed on the development. This has the effect of
limiting occupation of the properties to people with a strong local
connection; e.g.

A person or family currently living in the parish.

A person or family who has lived in the parish but moved away to
find affordable or suitable housing.

A person or family with work commitments in the parish.

A household containing an individual who was born in the parish.
7
6. Res
pondent
s
’Det
ai
l
s
The following sections of this report detail the responses from the
questionnaires distributed and returned during September 2006, in Astonon-Trent parish.
Respondents individual details have been kept confidential and any
identifiable attributes have not been included in the results. Any
comments that have been made may also have been edited so as not to
identify individual circumstances.
The following results are a snapshot in time and provide the village and
South Derbyshire District Council with an insight into the parish in terms of
current housing need, the desirability of the village and the current level of
facilities serving the local community.
A total of 263 survey forms were received giving a return rate of 37%.
This is a good response, taking into consideration that only people who
have a housing need or those who are interested in commenting on local
matters are likely to respond.
6.1. Age Profile
The chart overleaf shows the age profile of the 559 people captured on
the 260 survey forms returned. The responses show that the largest single
group of the population in Aston-on-Trent, representing 37%, are
people over 60 years of age. A further 22% of people are aged
between 50-59. Only 14% of the population are under 16 years
of age.
Age Profile
250
Number of People
208
200
150
100
115
122
26-49
50-59
76
50
16
22
17-19
20-25
0
0-16
Age Ranges
8
60+
6.2. Household Size and Mix
The following chart shows the number of households in each size/mix
category. Total households with pensioners accounted for 51%,
followed by those containing only adults accounting for 24%.
Households containing families with children accounted for 21%
of respondents.
Number of Respondents
Household composition
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
68
42
40
37
14
12
14
4
4
3
8
3
12
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ilt
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6.3. Tenure of all Respondents
Tenure of Respondents
180
160
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
160
85
4
1
10
1
G
ot
N
lt
oi
or
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e
ag
tg
g
t in
en
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e
ag
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or
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o
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iv
c
oc
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as
g
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en
R
se
ou
H
Tenure type
9
O
O
e
at
il
nc
ou
C
ng
si
ou
H
iv
Pr
d
te
en
R
Number of Households
The following chart shows current household tenure of all respondents.
Owner-occupiers make up over 93% of households, of whom 65%
have no mortgage. Rented accommodation makes up just 2% of
total households.
6.4. Property Types
Type of Dwelling
71
63
42
36
5
1
9
13
7
9
Be
d
B
ed Fl a
H t
3
Be ou
se
d
H
4
o
B
ed use
H
5
Be ou
se
1
d
B
H
ed
ou
B
s
2
B e ung e
d
a
B u l ow
3
B
ed nga
lo
B
4
B e ung w
d
a
B u l ow
ng
al
ow
N
ot
G
ive
n
100
80
60
40
20
0
2
1
Number of Households
The following chart shows that the largest groups were occupants of
3 bedroom properties at 33%, followed equally by occupants of
4/5 bedroom properties at 30% and 2 bed properties at 30% of
respondents. The figures suggest that there are an adequate proportion
of smaller properties and bungalows available in the parish.
Property type
6.5. Ethnicity
Res
pondent
s
’r
es
ul
t
ss
howedt
hatt
hemaj
or
i
t
yoft
hedemographic is
White British. This supports the recent Countryside Agency report which
found that rural settlements had lower levels of Black and Minority Ethnic
(BME) residents than that of urban cores and that there were only
136,000 BME residents in rural areas throughout the country.
10
6.6. Migration
The chart below indicates that there have been a number of local people
forced to move out of the village in order to secure suitable housing. 26%
of respondents were aware of somebody who needed to move out to find
affordable or suitable accommodation.
Migration from Parish
6%
26%
Yes
No
Not Given
68%
11
7. Sustainability Issues
Respondents were asked a series of questions relating to the perceived
advantages and disadvantages of living in Aston-on-Trent. The purpose of
these questions is to build-up a picture of life in the parish and to identify any
issues that could form a threat to the long-term sustainability of the village.
The following two charts det
ai
lr
es
pondent
s
’ans
wer
s
, from which we can gain
an indication whether any affordable housing provided in the village will be
sustainable in the future, i.e. will people want to live there in the future?
Number of Respondents
Desirable Aspects of Living in the Parish
250
200
Yes
150
No
100
Don't Know
Not Given
50
0
Good
Nice Place Balanced
Reputation
to Live and Varied
Pop
Friendly
Spirit
From the chart above it can be seen that the vast majority of residents
consider that Aston-on-Trent has a good reputation, is a nice place to live,
with a balanced and varied population and friendly community spirit.
Number of Respondents
Negative Aspects of Living in the Parish
200
Yes
150
No
100
Don't Know
50
Not Given
0
Crime
Anti Social
Lack of
Adequate
Housing
12
Lack of
Facilities
The second chart above shows that a number of respondents consider
there is some crime and anti-social behaviour within the village, as well as
a lack of adequate housing and a lack of facilities.
There was particular concern about a lack of affordable starter homes in
the parish and also regarding the inadequacies of the public transport
services.
8. Support for a Small Housing Development
The chart below shows the level of support for a small development of
affordable homes for local people, being built in the parish. The chart shows
there is a reasonable level of support within the community at 62%.
Only 18% of respondents were against such a scheme.
Support for a Small Housing Scheme
15%
5%
Yes
No
Don't Know
18%
62%
13
Not Given
9. Housing Needs Analysis
Out of the 263 returns, 250 were from people who would be considered as
adequately housed and would not be looking to move to alternative
accommodation within the next 5 years. These respondents completed a
survey form primarily to offer their support or objection towards a ‘
local
needs
’housing development, as well as to give their comments regarding
the sustainability of Aston-on-Trent and comment on its facilities. These
were therefore discounted from the rest of the analysis.
Accordingly, as far as the requirement for affordable housing is concerned,
there are 13 returns detailing a housing need. Of these, some respondents
would potentially have the resources to satisfy their own need and may
need to be discounted from the final analysis.
9.1. Local Connection
The graph below shows the type of local connection held by respondents
with a specific housing need. There were 13 responses in total, all but one
of whom are currently living in the village. All fulfil the criteria for having a
strong local connection with the parish.
Number of Respondents
Local Connection
10
8
6
6
4
2
2
2
1
1
1
0
Live
Live &
Work
Live &
Live &
Previously Relatives
Lived
Type of Connection
14
Previously Live, Work
Lived
and
Relatives
9.2. Residency
The table below gives the number of years that respondents have lived in
Aston-on-Trent. There were 13 responses to this question and 92% had
lived in the parish for over 5 years.
Number of Years Resident
8%
8%
1-5
31%
6-10
15%
11-15
21-25
26-30
8%
30+
30%
9.3. Housing Tenure
The chart below shows the housing circumstances of respondents with a
need for affordable housing.
10
8
6
4
2
0
6
3
n/
oc
c
w
O
O
w
g
n/
oc
c
w
it h
No
M
or
...
Pa
re
nt
s
en
tin
g
R
Type of Tenure
15
M
or
tg
ag
e
2
1
Li
vin
Ti
ed
Ac
co
m
m
od
a.
..
1
Pr
iv
at
e
No. of Respondents
Housing Tenure - Respondents in Need
9.4. Respondents in Need Details
The tables below list the respondents who have expressed a housing
need, what type of housing they would prefer, and our assessment of
their need.
Single
RESPONDENT
Living with parents in 3
bed property, requires
independent accom. within
2-5 years. Residency 23
years.
Living with parents in 3
bed property, require
independent accom. within
2 years. Residency 23
years.
Living with parents in 4
bed property, requires
independent accom. within
2-5 years. Residency 22
years.
Living with parent in 3 bed
property, needs
independent accom.
immediately. Residency 31
years.
Living with parents in 4
bed property, require
independent accom. within
2 years. Residency 32
years.
Living with parents in 4
bed property, requires
independent accom. within
2 years. Residency 8
years.
ACCOMMODATION
REQUIRED
2 bed house. Rented.
2 bed house. Rented.
2-3 bed house. Shared
Ownership.
2 bed house. Shared
Ownership.
2 bed house. Shared
Ownership.
2 bed house. Shared
Ownership.
2 bed house/flat. Rented.
2 bed house. Rented.
2 bed house. Shared
Ownership.
2 bed house. Shared
Ownership.
2 bed house. Shared
Ownership or Rent.
2 bed house. Shared
Ownership.
16
REALITY TENURE
Elderly
RESPONDENT
Couple living in own
property, require smaller,
cheaper, secure
accommodation. Mobility
difficulties. Residency 51
years.
Couple living in own
property, require smaller
accommodation within 25 years. Residency 35
years.
ACCOMMODATION
REQUIRED
2 bed bungalow. Shared
Ownership.
REALITY TENURE
2 bed bungalow. Shared
Ownership.
2 bed bungalow. Shared
Ownership.
2 bed bungalow. Shared
Ownership.
Families
RESPONDENT
Family of 2, living in
mortgaged 4 bed
property, require cheaper
accommodation within 2
years. Residency 22
years.
Family of 2, living in
mortgaged 4 bed
property, require smaller
accommodation within 2
years. Residency 12
years.
Family of 4, living in
mortgaged 3 bed
property, require larger,
cheaper accommodation
within 2 years. Residency
15 years.
Family of 3, living in
rented 2 bed property,
require larger, cheaper
home, close to
dependents. Residency 2
years, previously 26
years.
Family of 3 living in tied 2
bed property outside
parish, need independent
accommodation. Previous
residency 30 years.
ACCOMMODATION
REQUIRED
3 bed house. Shared
Ownership.
3 bed house. Shared
Ownership.
2 bed house. Shared
Ownership.
2 bed house. Shared
Ownership.
3-4 bed house. Shared
Ownership or Rent.
3 bed house. Shared
Ownership.
3 bed house. Shared
Ownership or Rent.
3 bed house. Shared
Ownership.
3 bed house. Shared
Ownership.
3 bed house. Shared
Ownership.
17
REALITY TENURE
Therefore the housing needs derived directly from the survey are:
2 x 2-bed houses for rent
5 x 2-bed house for shared ownership
2 x 2-bed bungalows for shared ownership
4 x 3-bed houses for shared ownership
It is usual practice to apply a discounting factor as part of the scheme
proposal process. This is applied because, in the time it takes to bring a
scheme to development, some of the respondents will have resolved their
own housing needs.
The standard discounting factors, recommended by the Countryside
Agency, that are applied are 40% to shared ownership properties and
25% to rented properties. The differing factors reflect the ability of each
group to resolve their own housing needs.
The resulting housing needs for Aston-on-Trent parish are given below:
2 x 2-bed houses for rent
3 x 2-bed houses for shared ownership
1 x 2-bed bungalow for shared ownership
3 x 3-bed houses for shared ownership
18
10. Numbers Registered on Waiting List
South Derbyshire District Council has 40 people waiting for general
purpose accommodation in Aston-on-Trent parish. Although, it must be
remembered that not all these will have a local connection to Aston, the
numbers give an indication of the level of need for affordable
accommodation in the parish.
19
11. Conclusions & Recommendations
Midlands Rural Housing, in partnership with Aston-on-Trent Parish Council,
has conducted a detailed study of the housing needs of the parish. This
study has not only investigated the actual housing needs, but has also
as
c
er
t
ai
nedr
es
i
dent
s
’vi
ewswi
t
hr
egar
dt
ol
i
vi
ngi
nt
hevi
l
l
age,and has
identified the level of local support for a development to meet local
needs.
Aston-on-Trent is a popular and desirable place to live, with a range of
local amenities and few social problems. However, two major concerns
were expressed by respondents, these being firstly, a lack of adequate
housing, particularly starter homes, and secondly, lack of a good bus
service. (See Comments –appendices A & B).
The existing housing stock in the parish is very well balanced with almost
equal quantities of 2,3, and 4 bedroom properties and a high percentage
of bungalows.
The population is ageing, with almost 60% being over the age of 50. The
number of children under 16 years of age is slightly lower than would be
expected at 14%.
There is a high percentage of owner/occupied properties and a very low
percentage of rental properties at only 2%, which may cause difficulties
for people on low incomes.
The desirability of the village results in turnover of housing on the open
market being low and this, combined with the lack of rental properties
available, leads to a shortage of supply and thus, high prices. House prices
are prohibitively expensive for people on low incomes.
This problem is particularly acute for young families, couples and singles
trying to gain a foothold on the housing ladder. A lack of affordable starter
and family homes is causing young people to leave the parish. 26% of
respondents were aware of people who had moved away from Aston in
order to find affordable housing. 62% of respondents were in favour of
developing a small affordable housing scheme within the parish.
The results of the survey show that 13 respondents have a need for
affordable housing. The overwhelming need is for young peoples’starter
homes and family homes. Only 2 elderly respondents require
accommodation.
20
Only 2 respondents have requested rental properties. The majority show a
preference for shared ownership, which reflects peoples’desire to gain a
foothold on the property ladder.
Owing to some respondents’ability to resolve their own housing issues
during the time it takes to develop a housing scheme, a discounting
system is employed. The result is that the total requirement for 13
dwellings has been reduced to a final figure of 9 properties.
Our recommendation is that a mixed development of nine
affordable dwellings should be considered to alleviate the current
housing needs in Aston-on-Trent.
21
12. Acknowledgements
Midlands Rural Housing would like to thank Mr. S. Graham, Chairman of
Aston-on-Trent Parish Council and Mrs. M. Tomlinson, Clerk to Aston-onTrent Parish Council, for their time and help in carrying out this Housing
Needs Survey.
22
Appendix A: Comments Regarding Facilities
The following is a list of comments and suggestions on general
improvements to the quality of life in the parish, from several respondents
to the Housing Needs Survey:
o Better bus service; later bus service (particularly weekends);
regular bus service to Derby on Sundays; more frequent bus service
to Derby; better public transport in the evenings; Sunday bus
service; evening public transport for those without cars; better bus
service; later bus service;
o Reinstatement of some bus services; At least 1 Derby –
Loughborough bus per hour needs routing through Aston; Are we
losing our bus service?; free bus passes for the elderly are useless
without a bus service –I still have to use my car;
o Facilities for young people; somewhere for youngsters to meet;
better leisure/recreation facilities; bigger & better play area for the
young;
o More variety of shops e.g. fresh fruit & veg., butchery; butcher; a
quality butcher would be a bonus; butcher, bakery; chemist and
general store; chemist; chemist;
o Bi
ggerDoc
t
or
’
ss
ur
ger
y;mor
ec
ent
r
aldoc
t
or
’
ss
ur
ger
y;wi
derr
ange
of clinics at surgery;
o Café/Tea Room; restaurant; restaurant, takeaway; hot food shop;
coffee shop;
o We are very fortunate to have a good shop, post office and two
pubs; our shop and post office provide excellent support to our
village;
o Improve the paving and roads; provide better recycling facilities;
o There are too many unruly youths and no community atmosphere;
unacceptable anti-social behaviour by youths; some minor problems
with youngsters; drunk, noisy gangs of young people; youths
gathering in the village; groups of young people gathering around
Lychgate;
o Some vehicle damage and minor property crime; fly tipping;
littering;
23
Appendix B: Comments regarding the development of a small-scale
affordable housing development for local people.
The following comments were received from respondents and give a general
indication of their concerns for and against an affordable housing scheme. A
random selection of comments have been reproduced.
o Lack of affordable property for 1st time buyers; not enough affordable
homes for 1st time buyers; affordable property for young people; there
is nothing affordable for young people;
o No elderly housing; lack of homes for the elderly near the village
centre; not enough accommodation, including sheltered, for the
elderly; rented accommodation for the elderly; limited housing
available for downsizing;
o There are quite a few young people having to live with their parents or
pay expensive rents; there is nothing for young people trying to get on
the housing ladder; there are no opportunities for local youngsters to
stay in the village; young people leave the vi
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ageast
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an’
taf
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or
d
houses here;
o There is no cheaper accommodation for 1st time buyers or pensioners;
not enough low cost accommodation for young or old;
o If smaller, affordable accommodation was available, we could release
our 4 bed home to a family; We need affordable homes for families
and young people; cheaper housing for younger generations;
o Most of the village accommodation is too expensive; Properties of the
right size and price are seldom available; All recent building has been
too expensive; lower income groups are disadvantaged;
o I would not want Housing Association properties as this can bring in
undesirable people; any further development would destroy the village
atmosphere; I have had to save very hard to afford to live here; we
moved here to enjoy the village as it is –please do not overdevelop;
o Introducing affordable housing will introduce more anti-social
behaviour and crime.
o Many local people leave due to high prices; t
oomanyunder25’
shave
to leave; nearly all the 25-30 age group have left the village for lack of
housing; there is a great need for cheaper homes for young people to
stay in the village;
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o There is an urgent need for affordable housing in the village –Aston is
in danger of becoming a village of elite commuters, leaving local
people excluded.
o The optimum would be to retain the small village integrity, with some
genuine affordable housing that would not impact on the village.
o Aston would benefit from a more balanced community;
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