What is a Local Connection?

We endeavour to make sure our properties remain available for local people for the future – Local Homes for Local People!

To ensure the above, we give preference when we allocate our properties to applicants who meet the local connection criteria as set below –

a) The applicant (or a member of the permanent household as stated on the application) has a minimum period of 5 years’ permanent and continuous residence in the Parish;

b) The applicant (or a member of the permanent household as stated on the application) has a minimum period of 5 years’ permanent and continuous residence in an adjoining Parish;

c) The applicant (or a member of the permanent household as stated on the application) is not now resident in the Parish or an adjoining Parish but has a local connection with the Parish including a period of permanent residence of 5 years or more within the last 20 years;

d) The applicant has a strong local connection to the Parish in the form of a close family member living in the Parish or adjoining Parish for 5 years or more (close family member means Mother, Father, Siblings and in some cases Grandparents if they need to live close to them is to give or receive support arising from proven age or medical reasons); or

e) The applicant (or a member of the permanent household as stated on the application) needs to live close to their place of work in the Parish or an adjoining Parish. This criterion applies to permanent employment only and the contract for employment must be over 20 hours per week. The person in employment must also have held the position for over 2 years or have a fixed-term contract for at least 2 years.

Please note that whilst the above are the main criteria we do take a lot of other circumstances into consideration and where we have shortlisted an applicant we will always come out and interview you.

Alongside our own local connection criteria, some of our properties have further restrictions which we are also bound by. Many of our properties are located within Exmoor National Park and consequently, have specific planning restrictions on allocations different to above.

If you are unsure whether or not you would meet the local connection criteria, please contact us at the office.

*Please note that the Association reserves the right to use its discretion when making the final decision when allocating a property. This means that in exceptional circumstances, the allocation priority may not follow the criteria set above.