How to tackle our housing issues

The case study of Woodcote, a village of some 1000 homes in the Chilterns AONB, shows how a successful neighbourhood plan can affect housing development. In April 2014 over 90% in Woodcote voted ‘yes’ to a neighbourhood plan that included over 70 new homes – a major turnaround to the historically high level of opposition to new housing in the area.

Local people were involved in the decision-making process as to the type, size and affordability of houses that were built. Provision was also made for priority to be given to local people in some of the more affordable dwellings to avoid pricing them out of the market. Watch this short video from Planning Aid England for more details.