Rural Housing Report

The newly published research report, "There’s a Will – Here’s the Way", explores the challenges and opportunities in delivering affordable rural housing in England. Conducted by Rural Housing Solutions and Trent & Dove, this comprehensive study examines why some Registered Providers (RPs) struggle to deliver in rural areas despite the pressing need for affordable housing.

This report is a crucial call to action for policymakers, housing associations, and local authorities to ensure that affordable housing in rural England is both viable and sustainable.

Download the Full Report

Key findings highlight:

  • A growing shortage of affordable homes in rural areas, with only 9% of rural housing stock compared to 17% in urban areas.
  • Increased costs associated with rural development, such as small-scale economies, planning delays, and the need for higher grant funding.
  • Significant regional disparity in the development of Rural Exception Sites.

Recommendations:

  1. Better grant funding to ensure financial viability

  2. Simpler and consistent planning policies and well-resourced planning teams

  3. Enhance the rural housing enabling function

  4. Give councillors the skills they need to be leaders