Affordable Rural Housing

On the Isle of Wight, the lack of affordable housing for local people is one of the most pressing issues facing our rural communities today. The continuation of high house prices, second homes & holiday lets, against the comparatively low wages on the island, means that a lot of people cannot afford to purchase their own home. Families, couples and single people have been forced to move away, unable to live or contribute to village life. Local communities are changing, through the loss of local facilities, transport and support services. To help address this situation, our Rural Housing Enabler plays a crucial role in working with rural communities to help identify and assess their housing needs.

Sharon Packer assists parishes by conducting Housing Needs Surveys (HNS), which are distributed to all residents in the Parish. Once completed, these surveys are analysed, and an independent report is produced. All of the information on the survey is treated in the strictest confidence.

If a strong affordable housing need is identified from the HNS, a small scale, sensitively designed development may be possible. The identified need is a crucial part in considering new developments. These homes are built and managed by a local Housing Association, with properties available for rent, and/or shared ownership (part rent, part mortgage). In order to qualify, you must be registered on the IW Housing Register. This applies to all affordable housing whether rent or shared ownership.

Working alongside the Parish Councils, Sharon helps identify potential development sites that are within or adjacent to the Village Development Envelope, adopting the ‘Exception Site’ policy. Properties in rural areas are almost always built under Section 106 of the Town & Country Planning Act 1990, and guidance under the IW Unitary Development Plan. Assistance with planning applications is also part of Sharon ’s role.

Sharon plays a crucial part by working in partnership with IW Council Housing & Planning departments, Registered Social Landlords (Housing Associations), landowners, and local partners to:
• Raise awareness for the need of affordable housing
• Investigate whether the need can become a reality
• Enable the provision of affordable housing to meet local community needs

Sharon aims to promote balanced, sustainable communities through supporting rural towns and villages by designing schemes specific to their needs and ensuring that villages remain ‘alive’.

It is a long and complicated process, but by working together it can be overcome and made worthwhile. Small rural housing schemes have been delivered in many villages with success, housing people back into their local community.

For further information or to request a leaflet on 'Affordable Rural Housing’ contact Sharon Packer, Rural Housing Enabler at the RCC Offices
01983 539383
Email: sharon.packer@iow.gov.uk

 Rural Housing Needs Surveys available in the Resource Library