LOCAL authorities wanting to build affordable rural housing can now apply for government funding.

A £1m government fund aims to kick-start plans to build homes so people could afford to live where they wanted.

The fund was among a number of measures unveiled on Thursday (26 November).

Housing minister John Healey said it was important to develop rural areas to meet the needs of local people.

Councils with the best proposals for rural towns and villages would receive specialist advice to develop masterplans for new neighbourhoods, he added.

These new neighbourhoods would include high quality housing, green spaces, commercial and business premises, shops and services.

They would provide homes for local people and help rural businesses who often found it difficult to recruit and retain local staff.

The £1m fund is being jointly provided by Defra and the Department for Communities and Local Government.

Councils will be encouraged to work with local communities to identify best practice and provide a model for rural authorities across the country.

A copy of the prospectus can be found by clicking here.

Bids and funding will be assessed by the Homes and Communities Agency and the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE).

Mr Healey also announced a consultation on proposals to encourage landowners to release more land for build affordable rural housing

Proposals include allowing landowners to retain the freehold on land, with housing associations paying an upfront or annual payment for the lease.

The consultation document can be downloaded here (161KB pdf).

The announcements are the latest stage in government plans to forge stronger local economies.

Mr Healey said: “A lack of affordable housing in the countryside can be a real problem for rural communities.”

The government was determined to help young families find homes they could afford and help rural businesses recruit and retain staff.

“Local authorities should use the powers they have to plan for new homes and in rural towns and villages.

“These proposals will give councils the flexibility and expertise they need to help provide affordable homes for local people.”

Rural affairs minister Dan Norris said masterplanning would ensure rural communities developed in a sensible and sensitive way.

It would take into account the need for green space and services such as drainage, water and safe roads – as well as schools, shops, parks.

“The rural economy plays a significant part in the national economy and by planning for its development we are planning for the growth of the whole economy.”

Planning for rural economic expansion and sustainable transport would enable more rural people to work locally and use local services.

The deadline for funding bids is 15 January 2010. The consultation closes on 18 February 2010.

TrackBack URI for this entry

Comments (0)

Subscribe to this comment's feed

Show/hide comments

Show/hide comment form