Rural communities could soon see an increase in new affordable housing following a multimillion-pound investment by the government.
Independent advisors are set to work with communities to bring forward new affordable housing schemes as part of a £2.5million package of funding announced by the government on 10 November - delivered in conjunction with Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE).
Announcing the funding, Rural Affairs Minister Lord Benyon said that it would “help develop small scale affordable housing schemes that fit in with the local area”, with Richard Quallington, ACRE’s Executive Director adding that the funding would help communities across England “navigate complicated planning rules and work with more socially minded developers to bring forward suitable schemes”.
Through the scheme, the government say that advisors will help identify suitable development opportunities and support the landowners and community to navigate the planning system in order to bring forward developments that “meet the needs of local people” in rural areas.
Following the confirmation that a first tranche of funding has been awarded in Cambridgeshire and Northumberland, the government say that other projects will be announced across England next year.
Ros Trotman, Partner in the Thrings Planning team and Head of Development of Land, said: “Many rural communities across the country are keen to provide new housing but are often constrained by being surrounded by green belt or are hindered by other designations and restrictions.
“This funding from the government, whilst only a small initial investment, will help enable some of these areas to get access to the expert advice they need to unlock new development for their communities. We will be keeping watch over how successful this scheme is and look forward to continuing to work with developers and landowners on bringing new affordable housing to rural communities.”
Thrings’ Planning and Environment lawyers have extensive experience in navigating complex local and national planning policy legislation and has successfully supported commercial and residential applications through the approval and appeal processes. To find out more and for advice on your development proposals, including how to address enforcement notices, please do get in touch.
