During Rural Housing Week, we pause to not only celebrate our progress in providing affordable housing in rural communities but also to acknowledge the profound socio-economic value such an investment brings to these communities.
Our accomplishments are significant: 51 affordable homes currently under construction across seven sites, planning consent achieved for 18 rented homes in Halstead and Chiddingstone Chequers in Sevenoaks, Kent, and dozens more homes on the horizon with schemes in the planning and feasibility stages. Yet, the implications of our work extend far beyond bricks and mortar.
Research from English Rural, CPRE – The Countryside Charity and the Rural Services Network emphasises the economic advantages these investments create. According to the study, for every ten new affordable homes built, the economy is boosted by £1.4 million, 26 jobs are supported, and £250,000 in government revenue is generated. Our construction projects are much more than physical development; they act as economic catalysts powering job creation and bolstering the government’s purse.
However, these contributions also deeply interlink with the pressing issue of rural homelessness, which has more than doubled over the past two years. Affordable rural housing does more than offer shelter; it cultivates sustainable communities, levels up against rural disadvantage, and combats the escalating issue of homelessness.
The construction of affordable homes in rural areas plays a pivotal role in retaining key workers, such as healthcare professionals, who are often priced out of the communities they serve. The research further underscores the importance of safeguarding rural communities from proposed changes to the planning system that could dramatically reduce affordable house building. We must ensure our endeavours to support rural communities aren’t compromised by regulatory changes.
Recognising the pressing need, we’re tirelessly working towards our goal of building beautifully designed, genuinely affordable homes. These homes form the very foundation of thriving rural communities, connecting residents to vital local services and public transport, and giving the economy a much-needed boost during these challenging times.
As we mark Rural Housing Week, let’s reaffirm our shared vision: to construct more than houses – to build a future where rural disadvantage is levelled, the economy is thriving, and every key worker can afford a home in the community they serve. The evidence is unambiguous; investing in affordable rural homes isn’t only economically sound, but crucial for the very fabric of our society. Each brick we lay contributes to building a brighter future.
For further details, please refer to the research here.
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