Aiffres lost inhabitants in the last census. How does the mayor, Jacques Billy, explain it? Interview.
Figures from the latest census show that the town of Aiffres lost 0.3% of its population between 2016 and 2022 (from 5,510 to 5,423 inhabitants), while Niort and the other municipalities in the inner ring gained some. How do you explain it?
Jacques Billy, mayor of Aiffres. “In 2014, when I was just elected, the prefect informed us that we could no longer authorize permits to develop new housing. Our wastewater treatment plant was not up to standard in relation to the volumes to be treated. Sanitation is a competence of the agglomeration, there was a modernization project, but really at the initial stage. Building a wastewater treatment plant is very complex, requiring the agreement of the Water Agency services, etc. It is also very expensive. With the help of the secretary general of the prefecture, we were able to react quite quickly. After 28 months, we were again authorized to issue planning permits. The Pierres et Territoires company was notably able to start its large development of 70 houses on Rue des Trois-Fontaines. »
“In reality, the population started to rise again in 2018-2019”
The new wastewater treatment plant includes a vegetated discharge area, with a wildlife observatory accessible to visitors.
© (Photo NR)
Did this cessation of new construction for 28 months cause you to lose residents?
“Yes, it weighed us down at the population level. There is a two-year lag and this is where the INSEE figures start to decline. There were impacts on schools: during this period, two nursery classes were closed. The census figures also influence the overall operating grants paid by the State to the municipality, which decreased in 2021 and 2022.
With the resumption of construction sites, have you seen the number of inhabitants rise quickly?
” Yes. In reality, the population increased again in 2018-2019 with construction. From 2018 to 2023, we had 200 new occupied homes, or around 440 new residents. The construction of 51 social housing units is currently underway. We reopened a kindergarten class in 2022. Aiffres is an attractive city, residents who settle often want to stay. »
Around fifty social housing units are under construction.
© (Photo NR)
Is there a lot of land left to build in Aiffres?
“As part of the PLUi and the PLH, we have a potential of 37 housing units per year for 10 years. The year 2024, like everywhere, was marked by a decline in construction due to interest rates and the cost of materials. This halved the constructions. We all hope that it will restart. »
Will the new treatment plant be big enough?
” Yes ! It was made with significant capacity. »
How can we ensure that Aiffres retains its identity and does not become a dormitory town?
“73% of the surface area is agricultural. In Aiffres, you are immediately in the countryside. We have all the shops, services, more than forty very dynamic associations. We have also worked a lot on childhood and early childhood. We have increased the capacity of our multi-reception and the rehabilitation of the school group is being completed: in 2025, nursery and elementary schools will be grouped together on the same site, in Victor-Hugo. »
Where is your search for doctors?
“It’s our downside, but it’s not just our problem. We have been looking for two years, notably with this sign installed on the ring road. A doctor was announced a year ago, before canceling his installation three weeks before. We have done work on premises to accommodate two new doctors, we are still optimistic. »
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