Real need for more affordable rural housing

Oct 22 2008 by Graeme King, The Journal

RURAL communities are under threat as house prices remain out of the reach of local buyers. Action is needed to change the situation, says Scott Munro

IN 2007 the average worker in a rural area would have had to borrow 13 times their salary to buy a property on the open market in the area they live.

With higher house prices and lower wages in the countryside than in urban areas, an acute lack of affordable housing is threatening the sustainability of our villages and rural communities.

There are nearly 700,000 people on waiting lists for affordable homes in rural England, which is an increase of 37% over the last five years. There is a fear that high house prices are forcing the younger generation out of the countryside, threatening to turn many of our rural communities into enclaves for the retired and wealthy commuters.

This changing demographic has a direct impact on demand for local services resulting in the loss of local schools, shops, pubs and post offices in many rural communities. The altering social structure also threatens to undermine the support for vulnerable people. Increasing the supply of affordable homes in areas where there is an identified need is the only way to ensure the survival of our rural communities. In July 2008 a Government commissioned report outlined the severity of the problem and made recommendations as to how to increase the supply of affordable homes in the countryside. Since the release of this document there has been no indication by Government that they are to act on its findings.

The Commission for the Protection of Rural England (CPRE) and the National Housing Federation have joined forces to call on the Government to make moves to address this growing problem. Through a recent document, Save Rural England, Build Affordable Homes, the partnership have outlined an eight-step plan to increase the supply of affordable homes including building more social rented homes and making better use of existing buildings. Within the North East, Tynedale and Castle Morpeth have been listed in the 10 most expensive rural local authority areas in which to buy a house outside the South.

With first-time buyers accounting for only 17% and 18% respectively of the housing market in these districts the threat of rural communities becoming unsustainable is real. If we want these communities to survive there is a real need to provide more affordable housing where it is needed most.

Scott Munro is a member of the planning, development and regeneration team at GVA Lamb and Edge in Newcastle