Natural England

Prince Launches Practical Support For Rural Housing Crisis - 18 February 2005

Two guides “Developing new affordable rural housing” and “Making use of empty space for affordable rural housing” have been produced as part of the Prince of Wales’s Affordable Rural Housing Initiative, which involves a partnership between some of the key influential bodies in this field including His Grace The Duke of Westminster, Business in the Community, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, the Countryside Agency, the Housing Corporation, the Country Land & Business Association, and Hastoe Housing Association. 

His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales said “I am delighted and encouraged by the support and commitment being offered to the Initiative by businesses, government bodies and charities. Yet I am also aware that much remains to be done. These guides offer very practical help by describing in simple terms the paths that can be followed to tackle the very real and urgent need for affordable rural housing.

“If just half of the 20,000 rural settlements in England and Wales had one new affordable housing development of five or six homes, and if just one business in each market town were to convert empty space, we would have made real progress in ensuring our rural communities remain vibrant and sustainable.” 

The Initiative now has real momentum behind it, with overwhelming support from businesses wanting to get involved. Copies of the guides are available from the Affordable Rural Housing Initiative at Business in the Community Tel: 020 7566 8663 or download them from www.bitc.org.uk/rural

Notes to editors:  

For interviews with key spokespeople or for more information please contact :

Libby Sandbrook on 020 7566 8663 or 07793 443 113.   PDF copies of the guides are available (embargoed until 18th February) 

Extracts from HRH The Prince of Wales’s speech are available (embargoed until 18th February). 

QUOTES for Affordable Rural Housing Initiative 18th February 2005

Rt Hon Keith Hill, Minister for Housing  said: “Meeting housing needs in rural - and other - areas is critical to the long term sustainability of our communities.   And it is often only when the public and private sectors work in collaboration that we achieve maximum impact.”

Dr Stuart Burgess, Chairman, the Countryside Agencysaid: “The lack of affordable housing in rural areas affects businesses as well as families and individuals. Many businesses and property owners would do more, but often don’t know how they can help. This guidance is a step in the right direction - helping to demonstrate practical solutions. And we don't always have to ‘think big’.   Releasing a small parcel of land or converting an existing property can make a real difference in many villages.”

Libby Sandbrook, Affordable Rural Housing Director with Business in the Community  said: “Many businesses want to get involved but are deterred because housing is not their mainstream business and they are not familiar with the process. Many are put off at the first hurdle. These guides aim to overcome this by describing in simple terms the different options available"

Mark Hudson, Country Land & Business Association  said: “Lack of affordable rural housing is a major concern to our members and for rural communities. We need to act now. I see this guide as a catalyst for positive action from landowners whose role in the life of rural England and Wales has been and will remain vital. This guide will be of great practical value.”

John Cuthbert, Group Managing Director, Northumbrian Water Ltd  said: “We are involved with two of the key building blocks for sustainable communities - land and water. Now we have plans for an affordable housing project in Essex and have identified other opportunities within our supply areas. This guide will help us make the right decisions and create affordable housing for some of the communities we serve.”

Neil Hollingworth, Managing Director of Castle Estates  said: “Converting or renovating empty space into homes does not need to be a headache for the property owner. Companies can benefit from a steady stream of income at the same time as helping their local community: they simply need to understand the steps to take and where to go for support and advice.”

AFFORDABLE RURAL HOUSING INITIATIVE 18th February 2005

CASE STUDIES  – These examples highlight how local people and private companies have joined together to help meet the need for affordable housing in their area.                                        

Lincolnshire Co-operative lease upper floors to a housing association to provide flats at affordable rents in Lincoln. 
Contact:  Ursula Lidbitter on 01522 512 211

Impact Housing Association converts properties into affordable housing in Cockermouth, Cumbria. 
Contact:  Mike Muir on 01900 842140

Norwest Estates convert empty property into residential use and keep fixtures and fittings simple to avoid unnecessary costs in Lytham St Annes, Lancashire. 
Contact: Liz Letts on 0870 839 2718 

Eden Housing Association converts an old cornmarket to house local people on in Penrith, Cumbria. 
Contact: Paul Davies on 01768 861 400

Private estate owner takes the lead on affordable scheme in Cheshire. 
Contact: Anthony Barbour on 01829 782210

Local company provides 14 affordable homes for local people to buy at £70,000 to £80,000 in Kirkby Lonsdale, Cumbria.
Contact:  Simon Drummond-Hay on 015242 76205 

Communities Land Trusts pave way for local housing in Wales. 
Contact:Jonathan Brown on 02920 43 1700

Church makes land available for affordable housing in Worcestershire.
Contact: Alan Saunders, Rural Housing Enabler on 01386 565521

Local family provides land free of charge for new affordable homes and a village green in Essex.    
Contact: Ruth Wyllie, Rural Housing Enabler on 01245 352 046

Local company provides affordable homes for people to buy in Modbury, Devon
Contact: John Cottingham, Affordable Homes UK on 01392876745

 -ends-