Housing needs survey underway for the parishes of Corfe Castle and Worth Matravers

People in Harmans Cross and the neighbouring villages of Worth Matravers and Corfe Castle are being invited to share their views on the need for affordable rented homes for people with a local connection to the villages.

The 3-week survey is open between Monday 22 June and Monday 13 July 2026.

See the survey

Anyone who lives in, works in, or has a strong family connection to Corfe Castle, Harmans Cross or Worth Matravers, regardless of their housing situation, is invited to take part.

A local connection means a person or their family live or have lived in the parishes, or they work more than 16 hours a week in one or both parishes.

This survey is an important opportunity for residents to share their views and help make sure any plans reflect the needs of the whole local community.

Cllr Gill Taylor, Cabinet Member for Housing and Homelessness, said: “We know how important it is that homes built in our villages meet and reflect the needs of local people.

“This survey gives residents a real chance to have their say and help shape future development. I would encourage people to take part and share their views so that any plans reflect what matters most to them locally.”

The survey comes as Corfe Castle Community Land Trust (CLT) has been working with the Corfe Castle Charity (landowner) and Aster Group (registered provider) to bring forward a piece of land off Tabbit’s Hill Lane, Harmans Cross for a number of affordable rented homes.

The site sits within Corfe Castle parish but is close to the boundaries of Worth Matravers parish and Harmans Cross village.

Aster, in collaboration with the CLT, is preparing to submit a planning application for the site later in the year and will engage with both Corfe Castle and Harmans Cross villages to discuss plans when they are drawn up.

To help with this, the survey will gather evidence of what support there is for affordable housing for the local community. 

Support to complete the survey

If you need help completing the survey, require a paper copy or have any questions, please email [email protected] or phone 01305 252442.

Volunteer digital champions will be available on several dates in late June and early July to assist with completing the survey:

Worth Matravers

• Thursday 25  June – Worth Matravers Village Hall, Pikes Lane, Worth Matravers BH19 3LQ  (2pm - 4pm)    
• Friday 3 July – Worth Matravers Village Hall (10am - midday)  

Corfe Castle

• Thursday 25  June, 2–4pm – Bill Carter Room, Village Hall, 67 East Street, Corfe Castle, Dorset, BH20 5EE 
• Wednesday 1  July, 6.30–8pm – Corfe Castle sports field building, Hollands Close, Corfe Castle, Wareham BH20 5EB

You can also book a digital champion session by calling 01305 221048.