Dawlish Discussion

Growing population: Our population is growing - between 2011 and 2018, Teignbridge’s population rose by around 8,500 people....and is projected to keep on rising.

Rapidly increasing elderly population: As our population grows older, we need homes that people can live in independently for longer. By 2039: • 1 in 3 Teignbridge residents will be 65 years or older • 1 in 8 will be aged over 80

Pent up demand:

For years we have not been building enough homes to meet housing demand.

High house prices putting homes out of reach for many local people: House prices are more than 10 times the average household salary.

Over 1,000 people in the district are in need of an affordable home to rent or buy.

Smaller households: More people are living alone – meaning we have to build more houses for the same amount of people.

From: https://www.teignbridge.gov.uk/media/9825/tdc-lp-part-3-2020-2040-need-to-know-guide-nov-21-web.pdf

So, according to TDC we have a rapidly increasing elderly population who "need homes that people can live in independently for longer".  In that case then why isn't more accommodation suited for the elderly getting built? I know that care homes and nursing homes get factored into Local Plans but not all elderly people end up living in them. If TDC recognises that elderly people also need homes that they can live in independently or with a bit of support then why aren't more bungalows, retirement flats, retirement complexes, sheltered schemes, etc also factored into the Local Plan? 

Builders don't like building bungalows because they can't cram enough of them into a small space like they can with flats & town houses. Too many retirement flats suffer from rip-off fees & high service charges which don't always end when the owner is no longer around. What older people want are freehold homes on one level which are easy to maintain & within easy reach of essential services. Not so difficult, is it?

And another thing is that an increasing elderly population may need, to a greater or lesser extent, some support with their day to day living. Which says to me an increase in the need for care workers either within a care/nursing home or visiting people at home. These are low paid jobs are they not? So where will all these workers come from and where will they live given that according to TDC  "house prices are more than 10 times the average household salary"?

It is not TDC's fault that this housing need cannot be met. It is the 'system's'.  We have a system whereby housebuilding is determined by the need to create as much profit as possible by. and for, developers, rather than building for housing need.