Why Rural Housing Matters and Why You Should Join the Conversation

Rural Affordable Housing & Planning
Tuesday 16 September 2025 | 10:00 – 12:00
Part of the National Rural Conference 2025
Bookings now open for RSN members: View the full programme

Affordable housing is one of the most pressing challenges facing rural communities. But there are solutions—and they’re being shaped by practitioners, researchers and community organisations working on the ground.

This year’s Rural Affordable Housing & Planning session at the National Rural Conference brings together a panel of expert speakers to share real-world insights and research, explore what’s working, and consider what more can be done to meet local needs.

It’s also a platform for open discussion, questions, and peer exchange. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from each other, share experiences, and take away practical ideas to apply in their own areas. Whether you work in housing delivery, planning, policy, research or community development, this is your chance to connect with others tackling similar challenges across rural England.

	lrike Maccariello, Development Director, Hastoe Housing Association Ulrike brings hands-on experience from one of the UK’s leading rural housing associations. She’ll explore the key delivery factors that shape successful schemes and sustainable outcomes.
	Max Banfield, Rural Housing Enabler Programme Manager, ACRE Max coordinates ACRE’s national network of Rural Housing Enablers, supporting community-led approaches and strengthening partnerships across planning and delivery.
	Dr Katarina Kubinakova, Research Fellow, Countryside and Community Research Institute Katarina shares research findings on how new devolved powers may be shaping housing outcomes in rural areas—and what this could mean for local and national policy.
	Ben Holden, Community Housing Lead, Plunkett UK Ben supports rural communities to develop inclusive, locally owned housing solutions through Plunkett’s community business model.

This session is one of eight themed events running from 15–18 September as part of our member-exclusive conference. It’s free to attend for all RSN member organisations. Sessions take place online via Zoom and you can join as many or as few sessions as you like.

Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from sector leaders, ask questions, and connect with others driving rural innovation and good practice.

Book your place now and view the full programme