Listen to our Chief Exec, Martin Collett, talk about the challenges and opportunities for affordable rural housing in this Future Economic Rural Network podcast:
Here’s a summary of what Martin discussed…
The rural housing crisis in England is at a tipping point. With limited affordable homes and rising costs pushing people out of their communities, the future of rural life faces serious challenges. Martin Collett, Chief Executive of English Rural, joined a recent episode of Ferncast to shed light on these issues and share how his organisation is working to create solutions.
English Rural is a housing association specialising in the development of affordable homes for low-income individuals in rural England. Their mission is to support village communities by providing homes that cater to local needs while preserving the essence of rural life. Unlike larger urban-focused organisations, English Rural works exclusively with small villages, often partnering with local councils and community groups.
Martin Collett paints a stark picture of the rural housing landscape. Affordable housing accounts for just 9% of housing stock in rural areas, compared to 17% in urban regions. On average, rural house prices are 16 times the annual salary, making homeownership unattainable for many. Policies like Right to Buy have exacerbated the situation, leading to a loss of affordable homes that are rarely replaced in the same communities.
“Rural homelessness has risen by 115% between 2018 and 2022,” Collett shared, highlighting the hidden but significant problem. Homelessness in rural areas often goes unnoticed, with individuals living in cars or makeshift shelters. The lack of visible support networks and resources only deepens the crisis.
The government’s recent focus on housing development, including reconsidering Green Belt policies, offers potential but also raises questions. English Rural advocates for a balanced approach: small-scale developments that are community-driven, sensitive to the environment, and aligned with local needs. These rural exception sites, which allow affordable housing on Green Belt land, are a cornerstone of their work.
Collett also emphasised the need for faster planning processes. Delays can inflate costs significantly, hampering efforts to deliver affordable homes. He called for continued investment in rural housing enablers—specialists who work with communities to identify needs and facilitate developments. Their funding, however, is at risk of running out by March 2024.
One of the hurdles in rural housing development is community resistance, often referred to as “NIMBYism” (Not In My Back Yard). English Rural addresses this by engaging communities in meaningful dialogue. “If you approach it sensitively and involve the community in the process, most people recognise the need for housing,” Collett explained. By focusing on small-scale, well-designed homes, the organisation fosters trust and collaboration.
English Rural is also committed to improving the quality and sustainability of rural housing. Collett acknowledged that England lags behind countries like Denmark and the Netherlands in building standards and innovation. However, he expressed optimism about progress in energy efficiency and modular construction, which could revolutionise housing delivery.
The work of English Rural highlights the importance of addressing the rural housing crisis to ensure vibrant, sustainable communities. As Collett noted, “A thriving rural community needs a mix of incomes and age groups.” This requires a collective effort from policymakers, developers, and local communities.
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