Settlement

Isle of Purbeck, Dorset

200km squared
Corfe Castle is largest village
Population has increased over the last 40 years, reaching 44,400 in 2001
Higher % of elderly population than rest of the UK due to; high numbers of retirees, out migration of young adults to find work and lower cost housing
Age 65+ 21.77% in Purbeck compared to 15.89% in England
2001 - BR 10.1 per 1000
2001 - DR 11.9 per 1000
Retirees - 18.6% in Purbeck compared to 13.5% in England
% of 0-4 year olds in Purbeck is 4.73 compared to 5.96 in England as a whole
Ethnic minorities significantly low
98.8% white
0.1% Asian
0.1% Black British

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Last decade, £ of housing has risen above national average
Due to competition between:
Out-of-area commuters
Retirees
Second homeowners
In-migration
The high competition for limited properties has inflated the cost beyond the reach of locals
Problem compounded by local employment oppurtunites being limited and low wages
Average weekly wages 6% lower than national average
Most housing is owner occupied (73%) - some private and public rented housing (7.7%) - rent from council, rent from private landlord (14.7%)

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Isle of Purbeck and throughout Dorset

Sharp decline in the number of shops selling general produce
3 out of 4 vilages had no General Store including 4 villages with a population of over 500
38 Rural Post Offices had closed since 1991
8 villages had lost their only pub since 1991
35 rural petrol stations closed since 1991

Positive:

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Best level of service provision
Corfe's tourism function been important positive influence on services
Population - 980
Churches, village hall, school, post office, general store, food shops, other shops, petrol station, GP surgery, public houses

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Increased competition from supermarkets - undercut prices and provide a greater range of produce than small rural outlets
Increased prsonal mobility of rural population as the proportion of people who have access to a private vehicle has risen - shop weekly and in bulk

Transport

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