Rural Services - Housing

There is a shortage of affordable housing in rural areas, which impacts on the opportunities and choices for all rural people. Without a range of suitable properties within a village it is difficult to encourage sustainable communities and maintain a vibrant, living countryside.

Developing affordable housing is one of the crucial issues that influences the economic and social strength of rural communities, and is a major contributor to long-term community sustainability.

Affordable rural housing is:

• built with a subsidy by a Housing Association and made available for rent or shared ownership
• priority in allocations is given to households with a local connection to a village
• remains affordable for local people in perpetuity.

Many Rural Community Councils have in post a Rural Housing Enabler. Their responsibilities include:

• Raising awareness of issues surrounding affordable housing with local communities
• Working with local communities and parish councils to assess local housing needs
• Working with landowners and parish councils to identify  potential sites  for development
• Liaising with relevant organisations including Local Housing and Planning Authorities and Housing Associations in order to ensure development is targeted to the areas of greatest need
• Increasing awareness of problems surrounding rural housing and influencing future policy.