Stanhope Parish Residents Asked to Share Views on Local Housing Needs
DURHAM Community Action (DCA) is inviting people who live or work in Stanhope Parish to take
part in a new Housing Needs Survey, aimed at understanding the need for more affordable housing
in the local area.
The survey is being run by DCA’s Rural Housing Enabler, Susan Tron, as part of a programme
funded by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to support rural
communities across County Durham.
Susan explained, “We know that many people in rural areas can struggle to find a home of their own
where they grew up, work or have family connections. This survey will help us understand if there’s a
need for more affordable housing in Stanhope Parish – whether for first-time buyers, families, or
older residents looking to downsize.”
The survey is open not just to current residents, but also to people who:
Work in the parish
Have moved away because of a lack of housing, but would like to return
Local input is vital, and Durham Community Action is encouraging residents to share the survey
with friends, neighbours, or family members with a link to the parish.
How to take part
The survey can be completed in one of two ways:
Online at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RK82LP7
Or by returning a paper copy in the Freepost envelope provided (for households receiving it
by post)
The closing date for responses is 30 September 2025.
All responses are confidential and will be used solely by Durham Community Action to analyse the
results. A summary of findings will be shared publicly, but individual responses will not be
identifiable.
Anyone with questions or needing extra copies of the survey can contact:
Susan Tron, Rural Housing Enabler
07496 461998
“Whether or not you need affordable housing, we’d really value your views,” Susan added. “Every
response helps build a clearer picture of what the parish needs for the future.”
