Exmoor residents encouraged to take part in housing needs survey
Survey aims to shape future housing provision in Exmoor communities
Residents in Exmoor are being urged to complete the Exmoor Housing Needs Survey, which runs until 31st March 2026.
The survey, launched by Exmoor National Park Authority (ENPA), Somerset Council, and North Devon Council, aims to gather essential information about local housing needs to guide future housing provision and the review of the Exmoor Local Plan.
All Exmoor residents, as well as those with a connection to the area through work or family, are encouraged to take part.
The survey will look at diverse factors affecting housing needs, including affordability, properties in disrepair, unsuitable accommodation, financial pressures, and aspirations to own or build a home.
A variety of residents are being invited to contribute—from young adults approaching independence to those who have moved away but hope to return.
Responses will help ensure that local housing needs are fully understood and not underestimated when planning future provision.
Steven Pugsley, Chairman of the Planning Committee at ENPA, outlined the importance of the survey:
“Understanding the housing needs of our communities is essential to keeping Exmoor a living, working landscape. By taking part in this survey, residents and those with strong connections to the National Park can help us plan for the future and ensure new housing addresses local needs.
“Your input will really make a difference.”
Councillor Sarah Wakefield, Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Adults Services, Housing and Homelessness, highlighted the wellbeing aspects tied to housing:
“We know that access to suitable, affordable housing is vital for the wellbeing of our communities.
“This survey will give us a clearer picture of the challenges and opportunities facing residents across Exmoor, and I encourage everyone with a connection to the area to take part.”
Councillor Graham Bell, Lead Member for Housing at North Devon Council, urged anyone connected to the area to get involved:
“Whether you live or work here, have family here, or were raised here but had to move away, your experience really matters.
"This survey will directly inform future housing provision and feed into the review of the Exmoor Local Plan. Please take a few minutes to complete and share the survey.”
The survey is accessible online and includes two sections:
Part 1: For everyone, regardless of current accommodation or housing need
Part 2: For those planning to move within the next five years or wishing to live in Exmoor
It is designed to take no more than 15 minutes to complete, and all responses will be kept confidential.
Residents seeking to access the survey can visit www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/housing-survey or contact local participating libraries on Exmoor for alternative formats.
A summary report, detailing housing need by parish, is expected to be published in Winter 2026.