Residents, businesses and local organisations are being asked to help shape the future of housing across the borough in a consultation launched today (Monday 12 February).
Havant Borough Council is seeking to adopt a strategy to provide the strategic direction for the council and partner organisations to meet the housing needs and demands of local people.
The draft Housing Strategy sets out a vision for the next five years which aims to prevent homelessness, whilst increasing the supply, quality, and choice of housing where people of all walks of life want to live.
The consultation runs for six weeks from Monday 12 February until 25 March 2024, giving members of the public an opportunity to comment, shape and influence the final strategy before it is finalised later this year.
A series of public exhibition events are being held as part of the consultation, providing additional insight and the opportunity to talk to members of the Housing Team. The exhibitions will take place across the borough on the following dates:
- Thursday 29 February – 3pm – 7pm – Emsworth Baptist Church, Emsworth (PO10 7BY)
- Saturday 2 March – 10pm – 4pm – Meridian Centre, Havant (PO9 1UN)
- Thursday 7 March – 3pm – 7pm – Bridge Centre, Hayling Island (PO11 0JD)
- Wednesday 13 March – 3pm – 7pm – Waterlooville Community Centre, Waterlooville (PO7 7AY)
- Thursday 21 March – 3pm – 7pm – Leigh Park Community Centre, Leigh Park (PO9 5BG)
Councillor Gwen Robinson, Cabinet lead for Communities and Housing, said: “This borough is a great place to live, but not everyone is seeing the benefits. Many residents are struggling to afford local rents and house prices.
“We know that affordability is a huge challenge for local people and we want to ensure that we continue to increase the availability of affordable housing, providing a range of options from those that rent to those that want to get a foot on the housing ladder.
“However, it is not just about new homes. We need to help people who are living in poor or unsafe conditions, as well as those who need additional support to remain at home.
“I would urge all residents and interested partners to respond to the consultation and help shape our approach to housing issues going forwards.”
The Housing Strategy will help to prevent homelessness, increase housing supply, giving more choice and better quality.
It focusses on four key themes:
- Preventing homelessness and helping those who are homeless to move on to stable housing solutions.
- Increasing the supply of housing, including affordable housing
- Helping housing choices to enable independence.
- Improving the quality of rented housing stock
To view more information about the draft Housing Strategy and to submit your views on this document, please visit www.havant.gov.uk/housing.