Housing Needs Survey 2025: what Alston Moor told us
Last October, households across the nine parishes of the Alston Moor and Fellside Place Action Group were asked about their housing needs. The survey was run by ACTion with Communities in Cumbria (ACT). Two reports have now been published: one for Alston Moor, and one for the whole area.
Who replied
128 households in Alston Moor sent the survey back. Thank you to everyone who took part, and to the volunteers who delivered the forms.
What people need
- 19 households said they plan to move in the next few years.
- 13 of them gave enough detail for their needs to be assessed.
- 9 of these households need an affordable home. All 9 would prefer to rent, or to part-rent and part-buy, from a housing association.
- 4 households could buy on the open market. Two of these are looking for a bungalow.
- The most common reasons for moving were setting up a first home and downsizing.
- Most people need a home with only one or two bedrooms.
What people think
- 84% would support a small group of affordable homes for local people.
- 74% would support a mix of affordable homes and homes for sale.
- 47% would support homes for sale on the open market.
- Homes for young people were seen as the biggest need, followed by homes for social rent.
People were also worried about empty and run-down buildings, second homes and holiday lets, the shortage of bungalows for older people, and the lack of local jobs.
What happens next
The survey does not by itself mean new homes will be built. It gives us evidence to use when talking to Westmorland and Furness Council, housing associations and developers. A Rural Housing Summit for the area is being planned.
If you need a home now
- To rent an affordable home, register with Cumbria Choice Based Lettings.
- If you want to build your own home, join the Westmorland and Furness Self and Custom Build Register.
- If you need changes to your home because of a disability, you may be able to get a Disabled Facilities Grant from Westmorland and Furness Council.
You can read both reports in full here: