Hever.org

Covering the villages of Four Elms, Hever & Markbeech

Summary of Rural Housing needs survey.

August 10, 2018 / / 0 Comments

Background

 

In a report published in December 2014, the Rural Housing Alliance has stated that ‘For many rural households, finding somewhere affordable in their local community remains a barrier, with homes costing over eight times the average salary in 90% of rural local authority areas. This is an affordability gap which, in many areas, is even more extreme given low paid rural employment.’

 

Small developments of local needs housing schemes can provide affordable housing for local people, thereby enabling them to stay in their community and contribute to village life. This can make a real difference to the vitality of village services. The Rural Housing Enabler (RHE) undertook a parish wide survey to ascertain if there are shortfalls in affordable housing provision within the parish of Hever which includes the villages of Hever, Markbeech and Four Elms. This was funded by Sevenoaks District Council.

 

This report provides overall information as well as analysis of housing need.

A survey was posted to every household within the parish in May 2018.

516 surveys were distributed with 127 surveys being returned, representing a 25% response rate.

 

Results

 

Analysis of the returned survey forms identified that 83% of respondents are owner occupiers.

 

67% of respondents have lived in the parish for over 10 years.

 

High property prices and a predominance of privately owned homes means that some local people are unable to afford a home within the parish.

 

At the time of writing the report the cheapest property for sale in the parish was a 1 bed apartment for £200,000; to afford to buy this home a deposit of approximately £30,000 would be required and an income of £48,571. The cheapest 2 bedroom property was for sale at £399,500; a deposit of £59,925 and income of £97,021 would be required to afford this home. To afford to rent privately an income of approximately £79,800 would be required to rent the cheapest and only property found available to rent in the parish which was a 3 bed house for £1995 pcm.

 

Overall, a need for up to 12 affordable homes, for the following local households was identified:

  • 3 single people
  • 4 couples
  • 5 families
  • 11 households currently live in one of the villages and 1 lives outside and wants to return

 

The 12 respondents in need of affordable housing indicated strong local connections to the villages of Hever, Four Elms and Markbeech.  7 respondents are currently living with relatives, 2 are housing association tenants and 3 are renting privately.

 

In total there are 19 adults and 9 children who have a need for affordable housing.

The survey also identified a requirement for 5 homes for older households, aged 50 years and over:

  • 1 single person
  • 4 couples
  • The 5 households all currently live in one of the villages
  • 2 of the older households need affordable housing. These affordable homes are required in addition to the 12 affordable homes identified above.

 

When asked how many bedrooms respondents sought/preferred, the following answers were given:

 

2 x 1 bed

6 x 2 beds

3 x 3 beds

1 x 4 beds.

 

Actual size of property will depend upon the council’s allocation policy and Help to Buy eligibility, see below.

 

In total, 6 respondents indicated an interest in shared ownership and 7 in a starter home (some respondents indicated more than one option); none of the respondents appeared to be able to afford a starter home. 2 households who indicated starter homes only, were assessed for shared ownership. In total, 7 households indicated that they may be able to afford a shared ownership property. More detailed analysis of their income, amount of deposit they have available and actual cost of the shared ownership property would be required to confirm affordability.

 

The survey has identified a total need for 14 affordable homes.

 

LOCATION OF NEED

 

Affordable general needs housing = Four Elms x 8, Hever x 3, Outside the villages x 1

 

Older Persons = Four Elms x 2, Hever x 1, Markbeech x 2 (the 2 older households needing affordable housing both live in Four Elms).

 

SUPPORT / OBJECTION AND LOCATION SUGGESTIONS FROM QUESTIONNAIRE

 

As expected, wide range of opinion but the vast majority supporting some affordable housing and some interesting suggestions of locations (main ones);

 

6 suggested out of parish in Edenbridge

6 fields in Four Elms

4 Uckfield Lane

4 Four Elms village hall

 

 

 

 

HPC resolved at the meeting on 25.07.18 to form of Committee (2 Four Elms Councillors and the Clerk) to explore further with Sevenoaks District Council and Rural Housing Associations the options for the parish.  This is the first of many steps and more detailed surveys and public consultations would follow.  Noting recent work done by neighbouring parishes (Leigh, Chiddingstone) and time scales (> 2 years).

 

Next HPC meeting is Wednesday 25th September 7.30pm Hever village hall.

 

Please see hever.org for more information and the full survey below….

Hever HNS Report 2018 final

Summary of Parish wide Rural Housing needs survey.

August 10, 2018 / / 0 Comments

Background

 

In a report published in December 2014, the Rural Housing Alliance has stated that ‘For many rural households, finding somewhere affordable in their local community remains a barrier, with homes costing over eight times the average salary in 90% of rural local authority areas. This is an affordability gap which, in many areas, is even more extreme given low paid rural employment.’

 

Small developments of local needs housing schemes can provide affordable housing for local people, thereby enabling them to stay in their community and contribute to village life. This can make a real difference to the vitality of village services. The Rural Housing Enabler (RHE) undertook a parish wide survey to ascertain if there are shortfalls in affordable housing provision within the parish of Hever which includes the villages of Hever, Markbeech and Four Elms. This was funded by Sevenoaks District Council.

 

This report provides overall information as well as analysis of housing need.

A survey was posted to every household within the parish in May 2018.

516 surveys were distributed with 127 surveys being returned, representing a 25% response rate.

 

Results

 

Analysis of the returned survey forms identified that 83% of respondents are owner occupiers.

 

67% of respondents have lived in the parish for over 10 years.

 

High property prices and a predominance of privately owned homes means that some local people are unable to afford a home within the parish.

 

At the time of writing the report the cheapest property for sale in the parish was a 1 bed apartment for £200,000; to afford to buy this home a deposit of approximately £30,000 would be required and an income of £48,571. The cheapest 2 bedroom property was for sale at £399,500; a deposit of £59,925 and income of £97,021 would be required to afford this home. To afford to rent privately an income of approximately £79,800 would be required to rent the cheapest and only property found available to rent in the parish which was a 3 bed house for £1995 pcm.

 

Overall, a need for up to 12 affordable homes, for the following local households was identified:

  • 3 single people
  • 4 couples
  • 5 families
  • 11 households currently live in one of the villages and 1 lives outside and wants to return

 

The 12 respondents in need of affordable housing indicated strong local connections to the villages of Hever, Four Elms and Markbeech.  7 respondents are currently living with relatives, 2 are housing association tenants and 3 are renting privately.

 

In total there are 19 adults and 9 children who have a need for affordable housing.

The survey also identified a requirement for 5 homes for older households, aged 50 years and over:

  • 1 single person
  • 4 couples
  • The 5 households all currently live in one of the villages
  • 2 of the older households need affordable housing. These affordable homes are required in addition to the 12 affordable homes identified above.

 

When asked how many bedrooms respondents sought/preferred, the following answers were given:

 

2 x 1 bed

6 x 2 beds

3 x 3 beds

1 x 4 beds.

 

Actual size of property will depend upon the council’s allocation policy and Help to Buy eligibility, see below.

 

In total, 6 respondents indicated an interest in shared ownership and 7 in a starter home (some respondents indicated more than one option); none of the respondents appeared to be able to afford a starter home. 2 households who indicated starter homes only, were assessed for shared ownership. In total, 7 households indicated that they may be able to afford a shared ownership property. More detailed analysis of their income, amount of deposit they have available and actual cost of the shared ownership property would be required to confirm affordability.

 

The survey has identified a total need for 14 affordable homes.

 

LOCATION OF NEED

 

Affordable general needs housing = Four Elms x 8, Hever x 3, Outside the villages x 1

 

Older Persons = Four Elms x 2, Hever x 1, Markbeech x 2 (the 2 older households needing affordable housing both live in Four Elms).

 

SUPPORT / OBJECTION AND LOCATION SUGGESTIONS FROM QUESTIONNAIRE

 

As expected, wide range of opinion but the vast majority supporting some affordable housing and some interesting suggestions of locations (main ones);

 

6 suggested out of parish in Edenbridge

6 fields in Four Elms

4 Uckfield Lane

4 Four Elms village hall

 

 

 

 

HPC resolved at the meeting on 25.07.18 to form of Committee (2 Four Elms Councillors and the Clerk) to explore further with Sevenoaks District Council and Rural Housing Associations the options for the parish.  This is the first of many steps and more detailed surveys and public consultations would follow.  Noting recent work done by neighbouring parishes (Leigh, Chiddingstone) and time scales (> 2 years).

 

Next HPC meeting is Wednesday 25th September 7.30pm Hever village hall.

 

 the full survey is below.

Hever HNS Report 2018 final

We are launching our Draft Local Plan consultation on 16 July 2018 and this will run until 5pm on 10 September 2018. For further information, please see the Council’s website www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/draftlocalplan

August 7, 2018 / / 0 Comments

SEVENOAKS DISTRICT COUNCIL DRAFT LOCAL PLAN CONSULTATION (JULY 2018)

We are launching our Draft Local Plan consultation on 16 July 2018 and this will run until 5pm on 10 September 2018. For further information, please see the Council’s website www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/draftlocalplan

We would love to hear your views!

The Local Plan is important planning policy that says what can be built and where and will guide housing, employment, retail and other infrastructure needs up to 2035.

Last year we sent a survey to every home in the District asking for your views on the ‘Issues’ facing the area over the next twenty years and our suggested ‘Options’ for dealing with them. We had a magnificent response – over 15,000 of you took part – and overwhelmingly you supported our ideas, which have been incorporated into this draft of the Local Plan.

This is now your opportunity to make your views known on policies and sites within the Plan and to contribute to what we hope is an ambitious and appropriate plan for the District.

How can I have my say?

  • Explore our interactive map to view and comment on sites in your area simply by typing in your town or village (or postcode).
  • Read our Draft Local Plan and comment on our 19 draft policies

We would prefer you to comment on our sites and policies using the above links, but alternatively you can complete a consultation form and send it to us at planning.policy@sevenoaks.gov.uk or Planning Policy, Sevenoaks District Council, Argyle Road, Sevenoaks, TN13 1HG (clearly stating the site or policy reference please).

 

Come and see the plans in Edenbridge Tuesday 14 August 2pm-8pm Waitrose Edenbridge, Mont St Aignan Way, TN8 5LN

There are no sites proposed in the local area that have made the short list for development. Main issues for residents will be the siting of the Edenbridge Medical centre, so please comment to SDC where you want it! – Four Elms road or Crouch House road. If anyone wants to see a paper copy of the main document (which does not include maps) or further information, please contact clerk@hever.org

School transport appeals

August 7, 2018 / / 0 Comments

As discussed at the most recent Hever Parish Council meeting – Kent County Councillor Peter Lake, would like to hear from any residents who feel they have valid grounds to appeal a refusal of home to school transport costs. Please contact Cllr. Lake directly on peter.lake@kent.gov.uk

DRAFT – THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF HEVER PARISH COUNCIL .  WEDNESDAY  25 th July  2018  AT 7.30PM.  Held at Four Elms Village hall.

August 7, 2018 / / 0 Comments

DRAFT – THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF HEVER PARISH COUNCIL .

WEDNESDAY  25 th July  2018  AT 7.30PM.  Held at Four Elms Village hall.

 

Present:  Cllrs., John Hodson (JH) (Chair), Angela Haydon (AH), Bonnie White (BW) Joanna Wade (JW), Christine Thompson (CT), Stephen Sadler (SS), Rick Brookes-Smith (RBS)

Also in attendance: Charlotte Cole (CC, Clerk), Peter Lake (PL), Matthew Dickins (MD), and 7 members of the public.  The meeting commenced at 7.35pm.

 

1. To receive apologies – Stephen Lark (SL) away, Duncan Leslie (DL) family commitment – these apologies were accepted and noted.

2. To receive declarations of interest in respect of items on the Agenda. To be specified per item.

3. To approve accuracy of minutes from the previous meetings (AGM 15th May 2018, Annual Assembly meeting 15th May). Approved by all and signed by JH.

4.  Public Forum –

PL updated that school transport appeal won and requested any other parish wide transport appeals to go to him (Peter.lake@kent.gov.uk).  KCC consulting about rural buses and noted already on HPC agenda.  Would like to propose 20mph speed restrictions to FE village during the 2019 – 2020 financial year.  This would cost ~ £ 7,000 to HPC which PL would reimburse.  Deadline is April 2019 for submission and requested HPC support in doing so.  A number of queries from Cllrs. and pubic regarding effectiveness, Timeline, signage, enforcement, geography of boundaries etc.  Would Hever and Markbeech be considered too?

Clerk post meeting amendment; as this proposal was not on the agenda, any such items can only be treated as an information item i.e. as an update/idea in principle – no decision or action possible.  This proposal will therefore be added as an Agenda item on the meeting scheduled 18th September.  PL left 7.45pm

MD updated from Sevenoaks District Council (SDC) – Local Plan (will write a guide in The Link magazine, liaising with Hever Residents Assoc.) Parish not directly significantly affected but note Edenbridge Health & Housing scheme (and potential traffic impact).  Neverworld licensing hearing – sound levels modified at 35dbA and breaches will be monitored.

(Gavin Missons (SDC Housing) arrived 7.45pm)

KCC proposal to charge for householders (DIY) waste – consultation to follow.  Other County’s already do.  Concerns over Flytipping risk and MD strongly opposes.

Query from the public to MD re; parents obstructing pedestrians with cars on the footpath outside Four Elms primary.  MD explained complexity of responsibility / enforcement (between SDC, Police, Highways).  Will speak to resident to explain and share with CC.  Cllr. BW has also been involved to encourage school again to liaise with parents.

MD left 8.05pm

5.  Community Led housing – JH summarised the work to date and results of the parish wide housing needs survey (summary attached to agenda) and future options.  Thanks to SS for work so far and Gavin Missons (SDC).  One option is to now identify potential sites (minimum build is ~6) and instruct a specialist housing association, who would then work with SDC (who test the sustainability of every proposed site).  This would lead to a priority list and secondary survey to be undertaken to every household (shorter and more focused) plus parish wide consultations.  There is no financial involvement or risk to HPC.   GM explained the new local priority criteria in the SDC Local Plan, affordable definition, housing benefit procedure and tenancy conditions. updated from meetings regarding Housing needs survey / Community Led Housing meetings with Clerk, SDC and Rural Housing Kent.  The time frame and options / possible implications discussed at length.

 

The Council voted and resolved to proceed by inviting a core group (SS, CT, CC, GM) to meet with SDC and 2 of the proposed Housing Associations.

6.  SDC Local Plan – GM answered queries about the SDC Local Plan.  All Cllrs. were encouraged to visit one of the public displays and Cllr. to reports any comments to CC by 20th August for CC to respond to SDC Consultation.

HPC to encourage locals to view and respond to consultation via facebook, website and contact list.  To ask SDC / MD how new NPPF (National Planning Policy Framework) may impact on Local plan.

GM left at 9.05pm

7.  Footpaths – JW reported on local interest / concerns over public footpath cutting.  Clerk tried to clarify the role of KCC (Kent County Council Public Rights of Way), landowners etc. in this responsibility and other options and groups involved in volunteer cutting.  Discussions were had about cost, liability, relative impact and duties.  HPC declined to commit to a regular cutting programme to supplement KCC work or to take on devolved work.

8.  Possible village party 2019 – JW will d/w DL.

9.  Post HPC Annual Assembly review – Cllrs. felt it was a good effort but relatively poorly attended.  Possibly as no major contentious issues..?  Plan for 2019 – Four Elms village hall, a Wednesday or Thursday in early May. 7.30pm start.  Not on same day as AGM.  Try to book MP.

10.  Local Broadband – report read out by CC, received from Airfast.net (trading name of Crockham Hill Broadband CIC).  Main item of interest is the new transmitter station at Chiddingstone Church and higher ground towards the Weald.

11.  Swathe and Visibility cuts (that we share a contract with Chiddingstone, Leigh and Penshurst PC) – A further cut was required this year.  Some concerns (from other parishes) about reduced wildflower areas.  Discussions were had and not felt to be a concern locally.

12. Family fun days – 1st August Four Elms, Hever 22nd August.  Advertising and banners used for promotion.

13.  General Data protection regulations – Clerk updated on action to date and still required (new PC and to complete data map / risk assessment).

14. Four Elms playground update. 

New grants secured from £ 3,000 SDC Community Infrastructure Levy, further £ 3,000 from Kent Community Foundation.  Total of £ 15,030 raised from grant applications to date.  Costs to date ~ £ 20,000.  Playground due to open in next 2 weeks and formal opening party / thanks to follow.

15.  Gatwick – No report.

15i.  Grant applications – £175 agreed towards WW1 Commemoration.

16.  Matters arising from previous minutes –no outstanding actions.

17.  Planning and Licensing – update attached to agenda. 

18. Financial update – attached to agenda.  Chair suggested that new PC purchased this financial year.  All agreed.

19. Urgent / other issues.  None.  Update from Clerk re; Four Elms Pond – entrance from front and side towards back of pond blocked off to reduce chance of campers.

20.  Other correspondence for noting –attached to agenda.

KCC Bus consultation – CC to check if local routes affected.

KCC Rights of Way Improvement plan – deadline 12th September. CC and JW to study.

AONB Management Plan – no comment.

 

Meeting ended 9.40pm

 

 

NEXT MEETING  18TH SEPTEMBER  HEVER VILLAGE HALL 7.30 PM

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

August 6, 2018 / / 0 Comments

Nominate a local charity…..

July 27, 2018 / / 0 Comments

From Neverworld;

 

we would like to take submissions from local residents for local charities to be supported by the festival this year.

 

We will be choosing 1x charity from the submissions made on this form to receive our guest-list donations onsite.

 

Could you kindly circulate this form to all local residents that may wish to suggest a charity and ask them to fill it in this week if they would like to propose something.

 

https://goo.gl/forms/42x7HI2xHkyc48BC2

July 6, 2018 / / 0 Comments

Bulk refuse freighter

July 3, 2018 / / 0 Comments

COMING SOON….

Saturday 21st July

Four Elms Parish Rooms (opposite school) 8 – 9.15am then

Hever Bottle bank area next to Henry pub in coach car park 9.30 – 10.45am

Saturday 22nd September

Four Elms VILLAGE HALL 8 – 9.15am then

MARKBEECH village hall 9.30 – 10.45 am

We cannot take Electrical Appliances/ Metal / Hard Core / Large Amounts of Garden Waste / Large Panes of Glass / Oil or Paint.

Please DO NOT arrive early or leave items on site, otherwise will be classed as flytipping and information passed to the police, thank you.

This is a FREE service to residents of the parish, funded by HPC.
Any queries to clerk@hever.org

Summer Family Fun Days

July 3, 2018 / / 0 Comments

SAVE THE DATE – Wednesday 1 st August Four Elms Recreation ground, 22nd August Hever village hall 10am – 2pm. FREE family fun day.

Running across the Sevenoaks District for four weeks from Monday 30 July to Friday 24 August, our Summer Family Fun Days are bound to be as popular as ever with children and parents.

Summer Family Fun Days include everything from crafts and face painting to games and sport in a friendly, safe environment. Best of all, they’re totally FREE and open to all. No booking is needed, just turn up and have fun!

Children must be supervised by a parent or guardian at all times. Activities are generally aimed at children under the age of 12, but they may not be suitable for very young children. All activities are weather dependent, so please ensure children have both waterproof clothing and sun block. We do advise that you check our website before setting off, as the programme may be subject to change at short notice.

All dates and locations are on our website www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/summerfun

« Older posts

© 2018 Hever.org

Theme by Anders Noren — Up ↑