Residents urged to help plan for affordable homes in Lyme Regis.

Local people in Lyme Regis are being asked to help identify the type and size of housing that is required in the town by contributing to a survey that launched today.  

The anonymous survey from The Lyme Regis Community Land Trust (LRCLT) and Dorset Council is open to anyone with a local connection through residency, family, or work.

A5 flyers with a QR code and internet link will be posted through residential and business letterboxes and A4 posters to access the survey will be available in community spaces.

The survey will help encourage conversations around the need for additional housing in Lyme Regis and responses will be based on local knowledge, family connections and from those working or operating businesses in the area.

There is also an additional question to help LRCLT identify sites for a small-scale affordable housing scheme, as part of any future planning application.

Cabinet member for Health and Housing, Councillor Gill Taylor, said: “What we hope to find out is more the current housing situation in Lyme Regis, especially where current accommodation is not suitable, adequate or affordable.  

We also want to hear examples of people who need to move into the town or who already live there. There might be young people who can’t afford to move out of the family home, there could be overcrowding, or older people needing to downsize or move into accessible housing.  

“We know families change and so does their housing need, so we hope the survey will reflect this.  This is about gathering information on both current housing, actual housing need and the views of residents.

We need more affordable homes, especially social rent and shared ownership properties, which residents can help evidence by taking part.”

The survey is expected to highlight the need for homes of mixed bedroom sizes, which would meet the needs of individuals, couples and families.

It has been organised by a DEFRA funded, Rural Housing Enabler, from Dorset Community Action and is open until midnight on Sunday 12 October 2025.

People can complete the survey here. 

Paper copies can be left at The Waffle House, 37 Broad Street, Lyme Regis DT 7 3QF, put in envelope and marked Housing Needs Survey - Confidential.

Print copies are available on request and help is available from the Dorset Council Housing Enabling Team on 01305 252443.