Arun Statement of Community Support

Land East of Wandleys Lane, Fontwell Arun District Council

Statement of Community Support Prepared for Welbeck Land WA/35/23/OUT

Contents Executive summary The scheme Introduction Methodology statement Headline results Reasons for support Household tenure Supporter demographics Where the supporters are

Supporter comments Word cloud

Executive summary 55 local people have registered support for Welbeck Land’s outline planning application for up to 95 new homes in Arun.

The main reasons for support were a recognition that there are not enough homes in the area and a general view that we need to build more homes of all types.

Over half of those supporting this scheme were under the age of 44-years-old.

Our campaign focused on generating support across Arun Local Planning Authority.

One in five of the supporters of the scheme were currently looking to buy or rent in the area.

Statement of community support Executive summary

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The scheme Welbeck Land’s submission comprises of an Outline Planning Application providing a new sustainable and design-led residential development of up to 95 dwellings in Arun, which includes a 30% affordable housing provision with a mixture of social rented and shared ownership dwellings.

It also includes open space with a landscaped play area and circular walking routes for residents, a landscaped area for play with natural play elements and sensory planting, and an area of edible fruit and nut trees and allotments for local residents.

Statement of community support Scheme

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Introduction Purpose

Who We Are Just Build Homes is a non-partisan platform that connects supporters of housebuilding with the planning process.

Evidence shows that a majority of people support housebuilding in their area, but local authorities and decision makers rarely hear from them.

The most recent publicly funded British Social Attitudes Survey to ask about housing shows 57% of people support more housebuilding in their area, against just 20% who are opposed.[1] The challenge is that these supporters rarely engage with either developer-led consultations or the planning system.

Decision makers rarely hear from younger, non-homeowners who are stuck renting or living with their parents.

Just Build Homes works with developers to help engage and mobilise these harder-to-reach audiences who are supportive of new housing developments.

Statement of community support Introduction

This Statement of Community Support serves as an evidence base to demonstrate genuine support from across the Local Planning Authority area for Welbeck Land’s outline planning application for up to 95 new homes in Arun.

Context Just Build Homes has engaged supportive audiences in the local area. 55 local people have supported the scheme.

These supporters have registered their support for the planning application WA/35/23/OUT. Their comments and reasons for supporting the scheme are included in this report.

[1] British Social Attitudes Survey, 2018

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Methodology statement Just Build Homes works with developers to help engage and mobilise hard-to-reach audiences who are supportive of new housing developments.

We engage through social media, digital, telephone and in-person events. We aim to hold conversations with those that are supportive of housing development.

In this case, conversations were held with residents in Arun District Council area.

Statement of community support Methodology Statement

Supporters were given clear and concise information about the scheme and asked if they supported it.

They were also given the option of being sent follow up documentation, in the form of existing consultation material.

Those who agreed to support the scheme were asked for their consent to submit a statement to the Council on their behalf. Those featured in this document are registered supporters.

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Headline results

55

Local people have registered using the Juston Build Homes platform support the planning portal Using the Just Build Homes platform.

Statement of community support Headline result

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Reasons for support

Fig 1: Analysis of supporters’ reasons for support

I support this scheme because...

Building more homes will help to tackle the national housing crisis Building more homes will help to increase the availability of homes locally Increasing housing supply will help to make homes more affordable I support building more homes with shared ownership options I like the specific benefits the scheme offers

Number of times theme is mentioned in supporter comment.

Statement of community support Reasons for support

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Household tenure Among the supporters, one in five are currently looking to rent or buy. 42% are homeowners and 43% are renting - with 27% renting from the council and 16% doing so privately.

8

15% 27%

29

Household

Household tenure Tenure 27%

Purchasing status

32

% Percentage

16%

42%

Homeowner

Private renter

Family & friends

Council renter

Fig 2: Housing status of registered supporters Statement of community support Household tenure

11%

11%

Looking to buy

Looking to rent

Purchasing status

Fig 3: Percentage of registered supporters that are looking to rent or buy.

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Supporter demographics Over half of the supporters of this scheme are aged 44 and under, additionally a quarter are over 55 years old.

% Percentage

Age of supporters

22%

24%

22%

25%

25-34

35-44

45-55

55+

7% 18-24

Age of supporters in years

Fig 4: Supporter demographics by age Statement of community support Results

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Where the supporters are All 55 supporters are located within Arun District Council.

Location of scheme Location of supporter registered through Just Build Homes Statement of community support Where the supporters are

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Supporter comments What do local residents have to say?

“As a resident, I believe that the construction of more affordable homes is crucial for our local community”

“There's never enough for the younger generation, and nothing for the children.

They end up in private rent, and I believe the council should help them out. Having a variety of homes would benefit the local area”

Melanie C. (45-54), Berstead.

Sarah B. (55-64), Berstead.

“I've witnessed the struggles people face in finding suitable accommodation due to the housing shortage. It's evident that more homes are needed to address this issue.”

Rumel K. (35-44), Felpham West.

“I am currently on the council housing waiting list. Building new homes like this scheme will benefit me to eventually get my own home” Heather S. (18-24), Berstead.

*Extracts of supporter comments, full comments are available on the planning portal.

Statement of community support Supporter Comments

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Supporter comments “I believe that more houses being built is beneficial for the community and provides opportunities for people to have a place of their own. It can make life easier and help individuals get onto the property ladder.

Encouraging home ownership and shared ownership schemes is essential. I fully endorse the development and its positive impact on local residents.”

“I strongly believe that we need more reasonably priced homes for young families in our area. Affordable housing is crucial, considering the challenges faced by the younger generation in accessing the housing market. I also appreciate the efforts to incorporate open spaces and forest walks, which greatly benefit mental health.”

Stephen H. (45-54), Felpham East.

James L. (45-45), Arundel and Walberton.

“I understand the importance of providing homes for those in need. It's crucial to give people a chance to find a place to live. I believe this development will greatly benefit the local area and its residents.”

Alex M. (35-44), Berstead.

“I'm all for supporting the new homes in Arun. It's tough for people in rural areas to find affordable housing, and this project seems like a good solution.”

Simon T. (45-54), Felpham East.

*Extracts of supporter comments, full comments are available on the planning portal.

Statement of community support Supporter Comments

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Word cloud support scheme homeless living place people homes

help buy need council local needed affordable rent property housing live move struggling ladder houses younger arun able

children

shared

better hard

want years building

just

ownership new

community area benefit

generation enough think rural reason

build

somewhere

positive space

Fig 5: Word cloud showing the most popular words used to describe the proposed development and its benefits.

Statement of community support Word cloud of supporter comments

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Connecting supporters of housebuilding with the planning process Get in touch: hello@justbuildhomes.co.uk

Statement of community support Just Build Homes Introduction www.justbuildhomes.co.uk