RESIDENTS in Brushford and Exmoor National Park are to be surveyed in the New Year about their housing needs.

The national park authority (ENPA) said it would write to households with information about an online questionnaire regardless of whether people considered themselves in housing need or not.

An ENPA spokesperson said: “It will help update the need for new homes and ensure housing need in Exmoor’s local communities is not underestimated.

“Information provided will be dealt with in strict confidence.

“Later next year a summary report will be available with information on housing need for each Exmoor parish.

“Whether you consider yourself to be in housing need or not, the information you provide through the survey will be vital to those considering housing need and provision.

“Young people approaching adulthood who are living with parents/other family should complete the form as a separate household.

“Parish surveys have been the starting point for almost 120 homes, with a local need occupancy tie, achieved in Exmoor’s communities through conversions and new build and as self-build.”

The spokesperson said ENPA was aware people might be finding accommodation in the local area unaffordable, or their home no longer met their needs, or they wanted to own their own home through a self/custom build project.

They said anybody who had moved away and wanted to return, local workers who lived away and travelled into the national park to work or who lived on Exmoor with family or others because of the cost of local housing, should also be encouraged to complete the survey.

The spokesperson said: “The survey is being designed to be simple and easy to complete and has been created in collaboration between Somerset and North Devon Councils and Exmoor National Park Authority.

“The report will not contain information that can identify an individual.”