Housing lifeline for young (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

After focusing on the problem of affordable property, the Journal has learned that planning approval has been granted for three new developments, incorporating shared ownership homes, in both Salisbury and Amesbury. Building work will begin next year at sites in Old Sarum, Boscombe Down and a third undisclosed site.

Salisbury district council head of strategic housing services Andrew Reynolds said: "The local plan for the district was adopted last year and we are seeing large housing sites coming forward for development in and around the city and in Amesbury, where we perceive there to be the highest level of need.

"We have also arranged a meeting with local employers in May to discuss issues of recruitment and retention.

"This is a very topical issue in the council and an issue that is going to be difficult to address in the short term, but young people voicing their views on this is really important, so we can identify if there is another way of helping."

According to a survey conducted by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation last year, the south-west region is the least affordable area for young buyers to purchase a property outside London. In a league table showing areas with the worst house price-to-income ratios, Salisbury ranked 22nd out of 40, with fewer than one in five young workers earning enough to buy their first home in the city.

Now Mr Reynolds and members of the SDC housing department want to meet young first-time buyers and discuss the issue, tackling problems such as raising a deposit and buying furniture and household items. If enough people come forward, a dedicated discussion forum will be established in May or June, giving young people the chance to act as troubleshooters, suggesting ideas and working with SDC to achieve more affordable housing in the area.

Mr Reynolds added: "Salisbury needs to keep hold of its young people.

"We need them for growth, employment and to provide the support mechanisms for every range of services in Salisbury.

"The last thing we want to see is young people having to move away as a result of the housing problem."

Anyone interested in joining the discussion forum can e-mail gaetana.

prassede@salisburyjournal.co.uk