Area Overview for Shirland Ward

Footpath near Shirland in Shirland Ward
Minor road towards Wessington in Shirland Ward
River Amber - Footbridge View in Shirland Ward
Higham Dairy Farm - Footpath View in Shirland Ward
Footpath under railway bridge in Shirland Ward
Footpath to Higham Dairy Farm from Bumpmill Lane in Shirland Ward
Higham Farm Ponds in Shirland Ward
Railway bridge over Back Lane, Shirland in Shirland Ward
Bumpmill Lane climbing out of the Amber valley, seen from the train in Shirland Ward
Partly harvested barley field in Shirland Ward
Gate, broken down stile; Amber Valley in Shirland Ward
Cattle between Butterfield and Broomhill Farms in Shirland Ward
24 photos from this area

Area Information

Living in Shirland Ward offers a distinct experience within a district borough unitary ward in England. This area spans 22.2 km² and holds a population of just 1350 residents. Such a small population density means the neighbourhood remains quiet, with housing situated in a relatively spacious context. The environment avoids the chaos of larger urban centres, providing a setting where daily life moves at a slower pace. You will find that life here is defined by proximity to nature rather than city congestion. The landscape includes specific planning constraints that shape the visual character of the ward. For instance, protected woodland covers a small portion of this space, influencing development and preserving green corridors. While the area lacks Ramsar wetland sites, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, or designated protected nature reserves, the presence of woodland adds a layer of natural value. Homes in this ward sit in an area where some planning constraints are flagged as warnings rather than passes, yet the overall risk profile remains manageable. The community is tightly knit, reflecting off the modest resident count. You are buying into a place where space and local knowledge define the lifestyle.

Area Type
District Borough Unitary Ward
Area Size
22.2 km²
Population
1350
Population Density
1141 people/km²

Demographics

The community in Shirland Ward reflects a settled, older population structure. With a median age of 70, the demographic skew is heavily towards senior residents. You are looking at a neighbourhood where age: total dominates the profile, indicating a lack of significant younger family clusters. This age profile shapes local habits and service needs, creating a specific rhythm to the area. Only 57% of households report ownership, meaning nearly half of the residents rely on the rental market. This split suggests a mix of long-term owners and those moving for housing association or private rentals. Accommodation types and household composition data confirm this settled nature without specific breakdowns provided for those categories. The religious and ethnic makeup is summarised as a total figure without further fragmentation, hinting at a homogeneous community. While specific deprivation data is absent from the current overview, the transport and infrastructure scores provide insight into connectivity. The area does not suffer from extreme isolation in terms of digital connection. Living in Shirland Ward means engaging with a mature demographic in a setting where traditional housing and rental options coexist. The stability of the age group suggests low churning and consistent neighbours.

Household Size

total
most common

Accommodation Type

total
most common

Tenure

57
majority

Ethnic Group

total
most common

Religion

total
most common

Household Composition

total
most common

Age

70
median
Age: Total
most common

Household Deprivation

N/A
with no deprivation

NS-SEC

27
in Lower managerial occupations

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Planning

Planning Constraints

  • Flood Risk
    Premium
  • Ramsar Wetland Sites
    Premium
  • Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
    Premium
  • Protected Nature Reserve
    Premium
  • Protected Woodland
    Premium
  • Crime Risk
    Premium

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Open Planning map

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the typical resident in Shirland Ward?
The typical resident is an older adult, as the median age is 70. The community is largely defined by this demographic, with only 57% of households owning their homes. Approximately 43% of the population rents, indicating a mix of long-term owners and tenants.
Is the internet reliable enough for remote work?
Yes, digital connectivity is excellent. Fixed broadband scores 84 out of 100, providing high-speed internet suitable for heavy workloads and video conferencing. This level of service is rare in smaller wards and ensures residents can work from home efficiently.
What are the main safety concerns for a new homebuyer?
The primary caution is crime, which rates as medium risk with a score of 66 out of 100. Standard security measures are necessary. On the environmental front, flood risk is low, but 1.35 score for protected woodland indicates planning restrictions that may affect future development or garden expansion.
How large is the community in terms of population and space?
The ward is small and spread out. It covers an area of 22.2 km² with a total population of just 1350. This results in a population density of 1141 people per square kilometre, creating a low-density, quiet living environment suited for finding peace and space.

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