IT'S one of the most basic human needs – securing a roof over your head. But with 275 people chasing a council bungalow in Minchinhampton, housing is clearly a pressing issue in the district.
We live in a beautiful area where housing supply is limited.
And the wider economic situation doesn't help. Saving for a deposit and raising a mortgage isn't easy.
Renting is also expensive and housing benefit for people on low incomes has been cut.
For young couples and growing families finding a home of your own in and around Stroud can be tough.
The district council is wrestling with the housing issue as it struggles to draw up a plan of where to put around 10,000 new homes in coming decades.
New homes will also be a resource which could benefit our communities.
Our planning authorities should work to secure investment from developers – who are so quick to profit from housing demand – and ask them to help support improvements to schools, roads and other community facilities.
It will be a fine balance between protecting the character of our lovely valleys, villages and towns and meeting the needs of future families.
But if we don't find space for affordable housing, then we will reap the social consequences – young people who can't afford to leave home, family stress, over-crowded households and people moving out of the area.
Decent housing is fundamental to our local economy and our health and wellbeing.