| Devon's house prices go through the roof | |
|  | | Many locals are being priced out of the market |
| | More and more young people are having to leave Devon - because they can't afford to live here. Low wages and soaring house prices are contributing to the exodus - and now, the county council is looking to address the issue. |
| | | Since 1999, the average house price in Devon has risen by 95%.
When you take into account the county's lower than average wages, it's hardly surprising to learn that some local people can't afford to live in their home towns.
Some young people are even being forced to quit the county altogether.
A MORI opinion survey found that a lack of affordable homes is the top quality of life concern among Devon people.
Devon County Council is now looking at how to resolve the problem.
The authority is proposing planning rules which would mean at least a third of all new homes built in Devon would be affordable for local people.
 | | The county council wants at least a third of all new homes to be affordable for local people |
Council leader, Cllr Brian Greenslade, said: "The truth is that for many Devon people, even on average incomes, raising a family under a roof of their own is becoming an unattainable dream.
"Here is a county rated among the best in Britain, and yet our young people are the biggest single group leaving because they can't afford to live here.
"Meeting the housing needs of local people - and in particular, first time buyers and those on low incomes - is a source of deep concern.
"Providing enough affordable homes to meet local needs is a top priority."
He added: "The problem is so serious in Devon that public authorities must take all reasonable steps they can to ensure virtually all developments include some elements of affordable housing."
The county council has welcomed Government proposals to allow local authorities to allocate sites for 100% affordable housing in rural areas.
But the council says the move doesn't go far enough to address the huge problems in Devon.
Council chiefs in Devon want the Government to do more to enable affordable housing - for rent or to buy.
Otherwise, the fear is that the exodus of young people from Devon will continue.
Article first published: 29th October 2003
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