Affordable Rural Housing
The primary role of GRCC’s Rural Housing Enabler is to drive forward the provision of additional affordable housing, complimenting the existing provision, and thereby meeting needs throughout rural Gloucestershire.
There is a severe shortage of rural housing in rural Gloucestershire which will be evidenced by the county-wide Strategic Housing Market Assessment which has been commissioned by the six District Councils and the County Council and is due to be published in Spring 2009.
Despite the recent drop in house prices across the country, prices remain generally high in Gloucestershire. People are often forced to move away in order to find a suitable home. Over time, social networks and village services are lost, and the demographic profile of the village changes.
The current financial crisis has resulted in mortgage lenders applying greater restrictions upon prospective house purchasers, leaving many people unable to obtain a mortgage.
Affordable housing is rented or low cost home ownership available at a price substantially below market value, usually provided by a Registered Social Landlord (Housing Association) or the Local Authority. Affordable housing is usually accessed by application on the District Council’s Housing Register. Definition of affordable housing
GRCC’s Rural Housing Enabler:
- Helps communities assess their housing needs by undertaking local housing needs surveys, usually in partnership with the Parish Council, and which must include the whole community.
- Sources potential sites for housing association development if a need is established, working closely with the Parish Council and, if necessary, approaching landowners to seek the release of land suitable for residential development.
- Works with local authorities and housing associations, whilst remaining an impartial, honest broker, to ensure that the often long and complicated process of new affordable housing provision runs smoothly and happens in a timely manner.
- Promotes understanding of affordable housing and influences local affordable housing policies by actively participating in strategic housing partnerships in rural Gloucestershire.
The Rural Housing Enabler is funded by the members of the Gloucestershire Rural Housing Partnership.
News
County-wide Housing Needs Survey, Summer 2009
Recession Impact on Rural England
Gloucestershire Homeseeker
Community Land Trusts
Living Working Countryside
Strategic Housing Market Assessment
Useful links
Click here
Contact
Martin Hutchings
