MOST of the people living on Ely s new estates bought the largest home they could afford and travel outside the district to work. The findings came from a survey carried out by East Cambridgeshire District Council to get a better understanding of people l

MOST of the people living on Ely's new estates bought the largest home they could afford and travel outside the district to work.

The findings came from a survey carried out by East Cambridgeshire District Council to get a better understanding of people living in the district as plans move forward on the Local Development Plan.

The survey of 877 households discovered that the majority of residents living on the new estates are aged between 17 and 44.

Ninety percent of new homes are owner occupied and 41 per cent of people have moved from outside the district.

Commuters travelling outside the city to work accounted for 74 per cent of those interviewed.

In addition to the facts and figures, the survey revealed that many of the residents surveyed initially came to live in Ely because it was a pleasant place to live, had good train links and offered cheaper homes compared to where they came from.

Giles Hughes, the council's head of planning said: "Some of the information which our survey uncovered has been fascinating and incredibly useful as we plan the future infrastructure of the district.

"There is a large level of home ownership among the residents who responded to our survey and there is evidence that they have bought the largest property they could afford rather than a home to meet their needs. This is an interesting development in a housing market which is seen as difficult to enter for first-time buyers.

"As we plan for the future and attempt to create the jobs, infrastructure and services which the district needs for sustainable growth, the comments from the residents become especially useful. Many residents have told us they want better shops and restaurants in the city, improved leisure facilities and doctor's surgeries. At the moment it appears the vast majority of the residents leave the district for their work or to shop - this is something we need to tackle.

"We also asked for feedback from residents about the estates they live on. There were positive comments about the design layouts but there were also many negative opinions given on unfinished construction. This is an area the district council has continued to push the developers on to make sure they finish the job they started. We will investigate areas that we feel have to be finished and will continue to press the developers until it is done.