Affordable rural housing
Rural Housing Enabler
Laura Mills
ruralhousing@grcc.org.uk
01452 528491
The primary role of GRCC’s Rural Housing Enabler (funded by local partners) is to drive forward the provision of new affordable housing to meet the need in rural areas. There is a shortage of affordable housing in rural Gloucestershire. House prices are generally high, and 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 village completely changes as a result.
'Affordable housing', promoted by GRCC, is housing that:
- is built with a subsidy by a Housing Association or through a Community Land Trust and made available for rent or shared ownership
- ensures priority in allocations is given to households with a local connection to a village
- remains affordable for local people in perpetuity
The process starts with the Rural Housing Enabler (RHE) assisting parishes to assess their housing need by undertaking local housing needs surveys, which must include the whole community. If need is established the RHE will work closely with the parish council to source potential sites for affordable housing development and may approach landowners to suggest that they might consider selling land. By working very closely with the local authorities and housing associations whilst remaining an impartial, honest broker, the RHE can ensure that the long and complicated process of new affordable housing provision runs smoothly and happens in a shorter timescale. The RHE endeavours to promote the understanding of affordable housing in the county and is involved in strategic partnerships.
Useful links
Housing associations:
Bromford Housing Group
Two Rivers Housing
Gloucestershire Housing Association
Wyedean Housing Association
Severn Vale Housing
Local authorities:
Cotswold District Council
Forest of Dean District Council
Stroud District Council
Tewkesbury Borough Council
National government:
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Government Office for the South West
Links to other useful information:
The Housing Corporation
Chartered Institute of Housing
Country Land and Business Association
