Baroness Warwick Launches A New Guide to Developing Affordable Homes in Rural Communities

The Kent countryside is one of the County’s greatest assets and should be available to enjoy by all. It accounts for 85% of land in the County and should be promoted for its benefits, whilst protected and enhanced for future generations. This is especially true for the rural communities who work and live there. But it has been identified that the lack of affordable housing is holding back the true potential of these communities – stifling life chances of young people, inhibiting growth and investment, unpicking close family bonds and increasing isolation and loneliness.

The Kent Housing Group has a long history of commitment and success in supporting the delivery of affordable housing. In partnership with a network of organisations, including English Rural, who are passionate about protecting and invigorating our rural communities, this Guide has been produced to address housing needs through the development of new affordable homes.

An affordbale English Rural home in Warehorne, Kent

This most recent version of the Guide reflects and offers advice and information relevant for a broad audience. For ease of use, the Guide has been split into a number of useful Fact Sheets. The production of this updated Guide was highlighted as a key objective within the Kent and Medway Housing Strategy 2020-2025. This document sets out the strategic housing objectives for Kent and Medway, which recognise the continued need to address the housing requirements and sustainability of all communities, including our rural ones.

The aim of this Guide is to provide information and advice to those who are concerned about the lack of affordable housing in their rural community and are keen to secure new affordable homes. All partners of Kent Housing Group – local authorities, registered providers, Parish Councils and the voluntary sector are encouraged to promote and reference this Guide. I am very pleased on behalf of the National Housing Federation to be supporting this excellent initiative.

Together we can promote, sustain and enhance the rural communities in Kent, for the benefit of all.

Baroness Warwick, Chair of the National Housing Federation