Learn about the rural affordable housing site in Curdridge, where 8 affordable homes are being built – 5 for social rent and 3 for shared ownership.
The work is now underway
Work has begun in earnest and the homes are due to be completed next March. Action Hampshire’s role in this scheme and many others like it across Hampshire was to act as an ‘honest broker’ with the parish council and other partners. Action Hampshire helped them show the need for affordable housing, find a suitable site, gain the local community’s support, and then get to the point of planning permission being granted and building work commencing.
Schemes like the one at Curdridge are normally built on what are called Rural Exception Sites. These are sites on the edge of existing settlements where housing developments would not normally be permitted. The restrictions can be suspended, however, for small developments where the homes will be exclusively for people who live in the area or have some other local connection, and where the rent or purchase price will be below market rate.
Why is affordable housing essential?
Affordable housing is essential to the sustainability and prosperity of rural communities. It ensures people can afford to stay and work in their local area, which also supports the rural economy.
Research from the National Housing Federation shows that the next government could deliver a £51.2bn net profit by building 90,000 affordable homes. Now is a great time to highlight the role rural housing providers play in meeting this demand. Not only will it mean huge economic advantage but a strong rural strategy will have social benefits too. We echo our national partner charity ACRE’s call for no rural community to be left behind – see ACRE’s call for the new government to address the housing crisis in rural areas.
Do you have a housing need?
Furthermore, if you are Parish Councillor in a rural area, or part of a rural community, and would like to find out more about identifying and meeting local housing need in your parish, Action Hampshire are running the upcoming information sessions or contact Action Hampshire’s housing team at housing@actionhampshire.org.
If you need affordable housing and already live in Curdridge or have a local connection, you can register your interest in living on the new development by going to the Hampshire Home Choice website: https://www.hampshirehomechoice.org.uk/
Join an information session!
Affordable Housing for Rural Communities: An Introduction and Q&A
Thursday 11th July, 11am-12pm
Register via this link to secure your place
Rural Affordable Housing Briefing
Wednesday 11th September, 10.30am-12pm
Register via this link to secure your place
