Affordable Rural Housing

The viability of many of Kent’s rural communities relies on maintaining a balanced community that supports everyone in the community - children, young people, families and older residents alike. Unfortunately high property prices and the lack of rented accommodation through the impact of “right to buy” legislation have meant that many people with connections to Kent’s villages have been forced to leave in search of a suitable and affordable home.

Identifying the family's housing needs through a survey of all households

Rural communities wishing to support local people who have a genuine housing need can, with our help, set up a “local needs” housing scheme. This is a small and sensitively designed housing development, normally run through a local housing association, that provides affordable rented or shared ownership properties for people with a connection to that village.

Our Rural Housing Enabler:

• works with Parish Councils and rural communities to help them identify the need for affordable housing for local people
  
  
• provides independent advice and support
  
  
• assists with housing needs surveys and helps to identify suitable sites
  
  
• establishes partnerships between Parish Councils, local authorities and housing associations to develop local needs housing schemes
  

Further information is available in “Local Needs Housing in Kent - a Guide for Parish Councils”.

This is an easy to follow question and answer handbook on the process available from us. Click here to request a pack.

Contact Jennifer Shaw, our Rural Housing Enabler, on 01303 850816, or click here to submit an enquiry.