Published on Wednesday 02 October 2019
New Housing strategy to be developed for the future of housing provision across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
A key document which sets out the housing needs for the entire BCP Council area over the next few years is set to be developed.
Cabinet is being asked to approve a timetable and approach to creating the overarching Housing Strategy, which will replace those of the individual preceding councils.
A three-year strategy is to be developed to reflect the period of transition and change of BCP Council. It will set out the priorities needed to meet the housing challenges of the three key towns.
Councillor Kieron Wilson, Cabinet Member for Housing, said: "Everyone has the right to live in housing which is of decent quality to provide a sound platform to wellbeing and helps ensure a good quality of life. The development of a housing strategy will impact on a significant number of other services the Council and its partner agencies provide such as social care, it with aim to address inequalities and will become a key document for the BCP Council area."
The Strategy will look at homelessness prevention, specialist housing need, older persons housing, private sector provision, Council housing, new homes and other housing related issues.
As part of its development and creation there will be an extensive 12-week public consultation with residents and other stakeholders all encouraged to get involved.
Councillor Wilson added: "There will be plenty of opportunities for people to input into the Strategy through a consultation that will be well advertised. It is important people are given every opportunity to take part to ensure we create an effective Strategy focussed on delivering positive housing outcomes for the area."
The consultation is expected to take place in Spring 2020 once an options document has been drawn up to help prompt the debates. Following analysis of the results a final draft Housing Strategy will be produced and returned to Cabinet to seek final approval towards the end of 2020.