JOINT DERBYSHIRE DALES AND HIGH PEAK HOUSING NEEDS SURVEY

1.08.36pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 23rd Apr 2007

Liberal Democrat Councillor David Fearn

"Over the next five years Derbyshire Dales is facing an exodus of local young people to areas where housing is more affordable," says Councillor David Fearn, Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats on Derbyshire Dales District Council. Councillor Fearn is shocked by the findings of a recently produced Housing Needs Survey commissioned by the District Council, which shows a serious shortfall in the number of affordable dwellings being provided.

Councillor Fearn says, "Most young people are being priced out of the housing market. There is a danger that Derbyshire Dales will be left with an increasingly elderly population and a drastic shortage of key workers. Both economically and socially this is a disaster."

The survey suggests, that even given the most optimistic forecasts and the best efforts of the local authority, there will be a shortfall of approximately 199 affordable dwellings per year in Derbyshire Dales, after excluding the Peak Park area.

Councillor Fearn believes that spiraling house prices are to blame. "House price inflation is a national problem that can't be solved locally. Hopefully this survey will provide the necessary evidence to persuade the government to take action. Radical solutions are needed," says Councillor Fearn.

Related Link:

Affordable Housing - Liberal Democrat Policy Document.