At English Rural, we are committed to fostering a deeper understanding of the provision of affordable rural housing through all stages of the development and delivery process. Recently, we had the pleasure of meeting with a group of enthusiastic University College London students from the Bartlett School of Planning, as they forge careers in the housing sector. The event was a valuable learning opportunity, filled with insightful presentations and hands-on learning experiences.
Kicking off the day’s presentations, Liz Crockford and Emma Coffin of Sevenoaks District Council shared their expertise on “Rural Planning Priorities, Villages, and Affordable Housing,” providing the students with a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities in rural. Their insights into the intricacies of planning and county level strategy development set into context the issues facing rural developers.
Following this, English Rural’s Development Director, Richard DeVille, and Development Project Manager, Wendy Farrell, talked through the role of housing associations in the provision of affordable rural housing and the build process. They highlighted the steps we take to ensure that our projects meet the needs of local communities, with the environmental and social considerations this entails.
Additionally, the day was contextualised by Tessa O’Sullivan, the Rural Housing Enabler covering Kent, who presented on “The Function of Rural Housing Enablers and Rural Exception Sites.” Tessa shed light on the crucial role that rural housing enablers play in facilitating the development of affordable housing in rural areas. She explained how Rural Exception Sites are identified and utilised to address the housing needs of local communities, ensuring that affordable housing is accessible to those who need it most.
Following the morning session of presentations, the students visited an English Rural development site, where they had the opportunity to gain on-the-ground knowledge of the pre-build and planning process. This hands-on experience allowed them to see firsthand the complexities and considerations involved in developing affordable housing in rural areas from environmental concerns such as drainage and wildlife, to infrastructure considerations, including traffic management and site access.
At English Rural, we are proud to support the education and development of future planners and look forward to continuing our engagement with the next generation of leaders in rural housing.
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