Neighbourhood Plan Evidence – Housing and Design

The Housing Needs Assessment (HNA) has estimated the parish’s housing need based on current population estimates rather than 2011 household statistics used in the Stafford Borough Council Economic and Housing Development Needs Assessment (EHDNA). This method produces a larger housing need for Yarnfield and Cold Meece of 6 dwellings per year compared to the 4 per year identified in Stafford Borough Council’s EHDNA. This 50% uplift aligns closely with the rate of expansion of the parish through new development since 2011. It can therefore be seen to more realistically reflect the current size and status of the parish.

The HNA recommends that the 2040 target mix of new dwellings should remain relatively stable in terms of 1-bedroom dwellings, but that the proportion of mid-size 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom properties should increase relatively significantly based on the 2021 housing stock.

Community consultation November 2021

Respondents favoured developments that consisted of smaller traditional, two or three be room dwellings. This reflects the recognition that there is an oversupply in the parish of larger 4 + bedroom dwellings.

There was a strong sense that future housing development:

• Should only take place on brownfield sites (71%) or infill development (26%);
• Should protect existing green spaces, the environment and the integrity of the parish.;
• There was a recognition that all housing tenure types should be included in future developments.