North Devon Council is inviting people to have their say on a new draft housing strategy, which sets out a high-level vision and objectives as to how the council plans to meet the housing needs and hopes of our communities.

The housing strategy will guide the council's activities in delivering and discharging its housing functions and responsibilities, whilst ensuring that resources and efforts are best directed to tackle the housing challenges that the area faces.

The draft strategy has been prepared in full consultation with a working group of councillors, who have been involved through a dedicated workshop and feedback sessions. It is built on a foundation of three themes:

• Prevent homelessness: Preventing homelessness by supporting citizens to stay in their current home if they have one, but if this isn’t possible or they are already homeless seek to help them find alternative solutions.
• Provide new housing supply: Supply new housing to meet social demand, delivering affordable and sustainable healthy homes wherever possible.
• Make homes healthy: Improving the quality of existing homes making them safe and healthy, in turn making their occupants healthy too.

Lead Member for Housing at North Devon Council, Councillor Graham Bell said: "We know that there are a lot of challenges for North Devon residents when it comes to housing. With this strategy as a framework, we aim to plan and deliver housing provision to try to meet local needs. Our hope is to tackle the widening imbalance between supply and demand and increase the availability of decent, affordable and accessible accommodation for residents in need. 

"We all recognise that by working together with partners, we have the opportunity to improve the housing situation for our towns, villages and rural settlements. Please take the time to participate in our consultation and get your voice heard."

The strategy was compiled following the publication of the Devon Housing Commission Report in July 2024, championed by Lord Richard Best with inputs from councils across Devon.

The council recognises the value of gaining different perspectives and insights from residents, partners, local communities and other interested parties. The draft strategy is therefore available for wider consultation for a period of seven weeks from Monday 10 February 2025 to Monday 31 March 2025. 

You can view the draft strategy and find out more by visiting the council's website at letstalk.northdevon.gov.uk/housing-strategy.  Alternatively, you may also submit your comments using the following methods:

• By email to consultation@northdevon.gov.uk
• By post to North Devon Council, PO Box 379, Barnstaple, EX32 2GR
• Completing a paper copy, which is available at Lynton House in Barnstaple, the Ilfracombe Centre and the Amory Centre, South Molton (opening hours are available on the council's website.)

Participants should ensure their comments are received by Monday 31 March in order to be considered by the council when finalising the strategy.

The council will look to carefully consider all of the comments that have been received during the consultation period and will update the strategy as necessary and appropriate to reflect feedback. The revised draft, along with the feedback received, will be considered by elected Members before the final version of the strategy is adopted and published.