Nationally there is great concern that local people can no longer afford homes in villages because of low rural wages, high house prices, the sale of Local Authority and tied accommodation and an influx of people from elsewhere forcing up house prices.

Therefore, the lack of affordable housing in a rural community can often lead to people having to leave their village, this is particularly common with younger residents wanting to leave the parental home and older residents who are looking for smaller more manageable property.

As a result, the aim of this project is to work closely with rural communities to provide small schemes of affordable housing for local people in rural areas where a need has been identified. The Rural housing Enabler then feeds information and opinions gathered from the local community back to the District Council and local housing providers.

A need is identified through parish wide Housing Needs Survey which is conducted by the Rural Housing Enabler. The Survey helps to quantify levels of need and details the type of property required.

As an independent body the Rural Housing Enabler then produces an unbiased report to the parish council detailing the findings of the survey. This can then be used to ensure that properties in a village are built to meet local need.

If you’re a Parish Council in East or West Lindsey Districts who are interested in conducting a survey please do not hesitate to contact me. I would be more than willing to come and speak to you regarding affordable housing and the possibility of a Housing Needs Survey.

Jessica Thomas
The Community Council of Lincolnshire
The Old Mart
Church Lane
Sleaford
Lincolnshire NG34 7DF
Tel: 01529 302466                          
www.cclincs.com