New register could help developers build the right mix of new homes in Dorset.
House hunters are being urged to sign a new register to help bring good quality homes for sale to Dorset. The Home Ownership Register has been launched as part of a campaign called Opening Doors which aims to encourage more housing, especially for younger local working people.
Weymouth & Portland Borough Council, West Dorset District Council and North Dorset District Council have joined forces for the Opening Doors initiative. Their Home Ownership Register will gauge the type of housing required. It is predominately for those seeking to buy but also for anyone renting.
Questions cover such factors as number of bedrooms, price, preference for shared ownership, affordable and open market properties, garden size and choices between flats or houses.
The register will give insights into the type of homes people want, which the council will be able to pass onto developers.
Councillor Graham Carr-Jones, North Dorset District Council leader and housing portfolio holder, said: “We want to hear from anyone thinking of buying, whether they are looking to get on the housing ladder or are an existing homeowner on the move.”
Councillor Gill Taylor, Weymouth & Portland Borough Council housing briefholder, said: “There is a quick and simple online form to fill in which means people will have all of the latest property news while playing their part in combating the housing shortage.”
Councillor Tim Yarker, West Dorset District Council housing portfolio holder, said: “We are among a number of councils nationwide working pro-actively to find solutions to the housing crisis at a local level, and this register will play a key role in our work.”
The Opening Doors – Building for the Future initiative aims to encourage greater housebuilding at a quicker pace to reach a long term target of 20,000 new homes between 2016 and 2033.
Image: The launch the Opening Doors Home Ownership Register. From left: Councillor John Yarker (sitting), Councillor Gill Taylor and Councillor Graham Carr-Jones
