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A new study reveals critical factors affecting rural affordable housing supply and proposes solutions.
Trent & Dove and Rural Housing Solutions have published a new report, "There’s a Will—Here’s the Way," illuminating the significant challenges and opportunities in developing affordable housing in rural areas. This research is critical as rural communities face increasing pressures from housing shortages, rising development costs, and complex planning processes.
The report draws on in-depth interviews with 11 Registered Providers (RPs), including Strategic Partners and non-strategic Partners.
Key findings reveal that while there is a willingness to develop rural housing, barriers such as financial viability, additional rural-specific costs, and planning delays impede progress.
Ursula Bennion, CEO of Trent & Dove, and a member of the Rural Housing Alliance, said:
"Our findings demonstrate that housing providers are willing to build in rural areas but face significant financial and logistical challenges. To overcome these, we need targeted policies, improved grant funding, and stronger planning support.”
Jo Lavis from Rural Housing Solutions added:
"The research shows that rural affordable housing schemes may be small, but their impact is transformational for local communities. By addressing these barriers, we can deliver the homes needed to sustain thriving rural areas."
This report calls on Homes England, government departments, and local authorities to act decisively to ensure rural housing development becomes a priority and that these communities do not continue to be left behind.
The full report can be found here
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Trent and Dove Housing Association is a member of the Rural Services Network.