Rural Exception Sites: What, Where and Why?

At English Rural, we are passionate about creating affordable homes that allow local people to continue living in the villages they love. One of the key tools we use to achieve this is the Rural Exception Site (RES) policy. But what exactly are these sites, where can they be found, and why are they so important?

What are Rural Exception Sites?

Rural Exception Sites are small plots of land located on the edge of existing rural settlements. These sites are not typically allocated for residential development within the local authority’s adopted development plan. However, they are considered for affordable housing to address local housing needs and sustain rural communities. The primary purpose of RES is to provide affordable homes for local residents, ensuring that these homes remain affordable in perpetuity.

Where are Rural Exception Sites Found?

Rural Exception Sites are usually found on the outskirts of smaller rural settlements, where populations are 3,000 or below.. They are specifically chosen because they are not part of the local authority’s planned development areas, making them “exceptions” to the usual planning rules. These sites can even be considered within designated areas such as Green Belt, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), and National Parks, provided they align with other policies in local plans and the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).

Why Do Housing Associations Use Rural Exception Sites?

Housing associations like English Rural utilise Rural Exception Sites because they offer a unique opportunity to address the acute shortage of affordable housing in rural areas. By developing these sites, we can provide homes for local people who might otherwise be priced out of the communities they grew up in. This is particularly important for young people and families who want to stay close to their support networks and contribute to the local economy. In 2024, research from English Rural and UCL found that Rural Exception Sites were being underused in the delivery of affordable homes, with just 546 homes built between 2021 and 2022. The report found that in the same period, RES could have been used to provide nearly 3,000 new affordable homes in rural areas.

Rural Exception Sites benefit local communities in several ways:

Keeping Families Together: By providing affordable housing, we enable both the young and old to remain in the villages where they grew up, close to their families and friends. This helps maintain strong family ties and support networks, which are essential for community wellbeing.
Retaining Local Skills: Affordable housing ensures that essential workers, such as teachers, nurses, and tradespeople, can live near their places of work. This helps retain valuable skills within the community and supports local services and businesses.
Sustaining Rural Economies: When local people can afford to live in their communities, they contribute to the local economy by shopping at local businesses, using local services, and participating in community activities. This helps sustain the economic vitality of rural areas.
Fostering Community Spirit: Affordable housing developments on Rural Exception Sites are often designed to blend seamlessly with the existing village architecture, creating a sense of continuity and belonging. This fosters a strong community spirit and encourages social cohesion. 2024 saw the launch of “A Design Guide: Building Tomorrow’s Rural Communities.” This offers a detailed framework for developing aesthetically harmonious affordable housing in rural areas. It emphasises the importance of designing homes that respect the unique character of the countryside while addressing the diverse needs of residents.

At English Rural, we are committed to working closely with local authorities, parish councils, and other stakeholders to identify suitable Rural Exception Sites and develop high-quality, sustainable homes that meet the needs of local communities. Our goal is to create vibrant, thriving rural communities where people of all ages can live, work, and enjoy a high quality of life.

We invite parish councils and landowners to come forward if their village has a need for affordable rural homes. Your collaboration is crucial in identifying areas where new housing can make a significant impact. Together, we can build a brighter, more connected future for our rural communities.