Major housingsurvey is to becarried out

File photo dated 17/02/09 of a woman looking at houses for sale in an estate agents. Fears of another global economic crisis hit the housing market last month as the number of sales dropped to a fresh two-year low, a report revealed today. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Tuesday September 13, 2011. The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) said the number of sales per surveyor in the three months to the end of August dipped slightly to 14, its lowest since June 2009. The 'subdued' nature of the market was blamed by 79% of surveyors on 'general economic uncertainty', while 66% said a lack of mortgage finance was also responsible. See PA story MONEY House. Photo credit should read: David Cheskin/PA Wire ENGNNL00120110922154727

The survey is being carried out by Icklesham Parish Council which covers Icklesham, Winchelsea, Rye Harbour and Winchelsea Beach.

Residents will receive a letter from Parish Council Chairman Peter Turner enclosing a Housing Needs Survey form from Lewes based Action in Rural Sussex.

Parish Council Clerk Anna Evett said: “The Parish Council is aware that the higher costs of housing in the area make it difficult and sometimes impossible for residents’ adult children to remain in the area.”

Council Chairman Peter Turner said: “It is important that we are made aware of households where there may not be a housing need at the present time but where there may be in the near future.

“For example, there may be children of the household who are nearing the end of their education years and who may wish to form a separate household within the Parish in the foreseeable future.”

Those who have moved out of the area and wish to return or with long term work records within the area may also be eligible.

Residents in need are encouraged to register through the Housing Needs Register and details of eligibility can be found on the Rother District Council website.

Householders will need to return the completed forms to Action in Rural Sussex by March 13

They will then be collated and the results will be posted on the various Parish Council notice boards and its website.

In addition representatives of AIRS and Rother District Council will present their findings at the Annual Parish Assembly. This will be held at The Icklesham Memorial Hall on March 30th starting at 7 pm and all residents are welcome to attend.

Anna Evett said: “The Parish Council needs a good response to the survey in order that the Rother District Council together with its partner housing associations can move forward in responding to known demand.

“The Parish Council is committed to obtaining to delivery of affordable housing – both rental and shared ownership.

“These are important parts of a healthy and diverse range of housing solutions within the Parish.

Further information can be obtained from:- Tony Cox, Clerk’s Office 01424 433260/07759337210.