Housing Needs Survey 2026
Exmoor National Park Authority, Somerset Council and North Devon Council launched a survey looking at local housing need across Exmoor. It asked everyone who works or lives on, or has a strong connection with, Exmoor, to complete a short Housing Needs Survey questionnaire
The survey ran until 31 March 2026. the report from the survey finding will be available later this year.
Megan Hunt from Exmoor Young Voices explained why the survey was so important.
FAQs
It's a vital starting point to show local need for housing. The information you provide will help update information and ensure housing need in Exmoor’s local communities is not underestimated. Evidence of a local housing need has previously led to almost 120 homes for Exmoor’s communities with a local need occupancy tie (conversions, new build and self-build). It will be also used for evidence for the Exmoor Local Plan when it is reviewed.
We aim to make a summary report available online in Winter 2026, with housing need by parish.
The information provided in individual surveys will be dealt with in strictest confidence and no data will be published that can be used to identify an individual. Full GDPR information is available on the online survey.
Paper copies of the survey and/or computers to enable you to complete the survey online are available at the following local libraries during opening hours. You are advised to check opening times:
Dulverton Library: Fore Street, Dulverton TA22 9EX
Lynton Library: Market Hall, Market Street, Lynton EX35 6AF Tel: 01598 752505
Porlock Community Library: Old School Centre, Porlock TA24 8NP If you are not digitally confident, one to one sessions are available on Wednesday mornings (Booking required)
South Molton Library: The Amory Centre, 125 East Street, South Molton EX36 3BU Tel: 01769 572128
It is still important that you complete this Exmoor parish survey to have the most accurate information on local housing need by parish in the National Park. Contacts for Somerset Homefinder and Devon Homechoice are below.
In Somerset: www.somerset.gov.uk/housing-support/affordable-housing-in-somerset/
In North Devon: http://northdevon.gov.uk/housing/
If you are in housing need you are also advised to register at www.homefindersomerset.co.uk/choice/ or www.devonhomechoice.com/
It is important you complete this Exmoor survey even if you are already registered on Homefinder or Home Choice.
For planning advice on new housing on Exmoor, including / self-build: plan@exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk
For young people living and working on Exmoor: www.exmooryoungvoices.org/
Could you help get the word out on this housing needs survey in your community, download a poster to share here