Community Impact Bucks is the independent charity which provides comprehensive support services to other charities, community groups, social enterprises and rural organisations throughout Buckinghamshire. It is also the Volunteer Centre for Buckinghamshire, helping members of the public to get involved in community activity. How can we help you today?

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Rural Affordable Housing

Since 2003 a Rural Housing Enabler (RHE) has been employed with the remit to increase the provision of affordable homes in the rural areas of Buckinghamshire. 

 

The RHE works closely with Parish Councils, Housing Associations, landowners and all other relevant parties in order to deliver small projects of affordable housing through 'exception schemes' in villages under 3000 in population. Rural schemes are designed to meet proven local needs within a parish or settlement and as such are usually fairly small (between 6-12 units).

RHE Aims

The aims of the Rural Housing Enabling Service are to:  

  •     Increase the amount of affordable rural housing in Buckinghamshire and Rural Milton Keynes.

  •     Promote awareness of housing need in rural communities.

  •     Help make the best use of existing accommodation in rural areas.

  •     Comment upon and influence relevant national, regional and local policies.

Why is affordable housing needed in rural areas?

Rising house prices have meant that young people and those on lower incomes cannot afford to live in their village. Not only are people being forced to move away, but others cannot even afford that option and continue to live as part of an existing household. In some cases, the movement of people away may contribute to communities losing facilities such as village shops, schools and pubs in addition to an ageing rural population. 

Exception Schemes 

If the Parish Council consider that there may be an unmet or hidden need for affordable housing, then a Housing Needs Survey is conducted.  

Before the survey is conducted it is publicised in the village by means of posters and articles in the newsletter or on the village website.  

Forms are then individually tailored for each parish and hand delivered to every household. The results of the survey are analysed and will offer a good indication of need. It is important to establish any need by this method in order to obtain planning permission at a later date. District Council Officers validate the survey by taking into account information from the Housing Register and Housing Sales Register for Shared Ownership dwellings and this will give the mix and tenure of units for the scheme. 

Frequently Asked Questions on Affordable Housing 

Whitchurch project completed