Local housing needs survey reveals urgent need for affordable rented housing in the Purbeck Valley

The results of a local Housing Needs Survey have revealed the urgent need for affordable rented housing in the Purbeck Valley.

Undertaken by Dorset Council in collaboration with Corfe Castle Community Land Trust (CLT), Corfe Castle Parish Council and Worth Matravers Parish Council during June and July 2026, the survey sought to understand the scale of housing need in both parishes and also the level of support in the community for affordable housing.

Housing register figures and the findings of the housing needs survey* show that 97 households with a local connection to Corfe Castle or Worth Matravers are in need of housing. Of those, 73 households with local connection have specifically identified the need for affordable rented housing.

The survey was carried out in support of the CLT’s proposed development at Tabbits Hill Lane, Harmans Cross where it is intended (subject to planning permission) to build up to 25 affordable rented homes. This project is in partnership between the CLT, Corfe Castle Charity, which owns the site and local housing association Aster Group, the registered provider that would oversee delivery and manage the homes. Aster is also the UK’s leading housing association provider of CLT partnerships.

Commenting on the findings, Colin Fuller, CLT Chair, said: “We knew the numbers were high from conversations we’ve had with the community, however, we’ve been taken aback by the scale of need highlighted by the survey.

“The need has been clearly evidenced and the CLT will now move forward with its plans for the creation of much needed affordable rented housing in the Purbeck Valley. We are losing families from our community, talented people who bring so much value, and we want to stop this unnecessary exodus due to affordability issues for those who prefer to stay.”

The results confirm that 296* people participated in the survey, one of the highest levels of participation reported in Dorset. 52% either ‘strongly support’ or ‘somewhat support’ the project whilst 43% ‘somewhat oppose’ or ‘strongly oppose’ the scheme.

Colin added: “We are delighted that the community actively participated in the survey and so many people chose to share their views. Given the scale of housing need identified through the survey, we would encourage those who are undecided, neutral, or opposed to the project to take a closer look at the evidence and engage with us as our plans develop.

“We would like to thank those that are behind the project and support the CLT objectives. As a community we will get much more out of the project if we have constructive dialogue and build this project together.

“We want to do the best for our community and would encourage those who have questions to raise them either directly through the CLT email address or via their parish councillor’s. We appreciate any new housing project comes with challenges especially within rural communities; however we can also work together to build assets that will be retained in perpetuity.”

The CLT can be contacted at: corfecastlecommunitylandtrust@gmail.com and further information about the Tabbits Hill Lane project can be found at the following website: https://www.corfecastleparishcouncil.gov.uk/corfe-castle-community-land-trust/ .

*All figures provided by courtesy of Dorset Council, September 2026.