Case studies
East Hanningfield Residents Come Home
The sun shone on four happy families in East Hanningfield as they
viewed their new homes for the first time on Saturday 7 October, 2006.
The homes, completed under the Rural Housing Enabler project by Colne
Housing Association, are for shared ownership where the housing
association retains a part share of the property and the resident buys
the other part. A further eight rented properties for other people from
the village will be released shortly. All homes will be ready for
occupation in time for Christmas.
This scheme, one of a number currently being built across the
county, aims to address the ever increasing difficulty that people
living in rural villages experience when trying to find affordable
housing locally. Working with the community through the parish council,
the Rural Housing Enabler carries out a Housing Needs Survey to assess
not only the level of need but the size and tenure of accommodation
that is most suitable.
One young woman who is moving into one of the shared ownership
homes said: “This is my first house and it means that I can stay in
the village and live near my parents and my friends, something I didn’t
think I would ever be able to afford.”
Parish councillors from settlements of fewer than 3,000
residents who feel there may be a need for affordable housing in their
village are invited to contact Moira Groborz, Rural Housing Enabler, to
discuss the possibilities by telephoning 013760574330, or via email
housing@essexrcc.org.uk
Parish Councillors Learn More About Affordable Housing
Parish Councillors and clerks from across the county had the
opportunity to learn more about the issues of providing affordable
housing in rural areas at an event hosted by EALC (Essex Association of
Local Councils). The event, held in Great Dunmow on 8 November was
chaired by Wendy Lewsey, Deputy Executive Director at Rural Community
Council of Essex (RCCE) and the speakers were Chris Moor, Regional
Development Manager for Hastoe Housing Association Simon Latham, former
Chair of Thaxted Parish Council and Moira Groborz, Rural Housing
Enabler at RCCE.
Following the formal welcome to the participants, Chris and
Moira covered a wide range of associated topics, such as: why more
affordable housing was needed, particular issues for rural communities,
the different types of tenure, the process of developing a scheme and
allocating the homes. Time was also allocated to a question and answer
session so that those attending had the chance to discuss any
particular queries relating to their village.
Simon Latham shared his experience as Chair of Thaxted Parish
Council and the response of the local community when the idea of
building affordable housing in the village was put forward. Thaxted’s
first affordable housing scheme was initially met with some scepticism
but once people saw the quality and design of the build families came
forward requesting to join the housing needs list. Hastoe Housing
Association is about to start the fourth development of this sort in
the village which will provide fourteen houses for rent and sixteen for
shared ownership for local people.
With affordable rural housing an issue that many villages are
currently concerned about, this event provided a chance to meet others
with the same issue and gain a deeper understanding of the process.
Parish Councillors are invited to contact Moira Groborz, Rural Housing Enabler at RCCE on 01376 574330, or email housing@essexrcc.org.uk if this is an issue in their village.
Recent reports
Link to partners
Defra (Rural Social and Community Programme)
Essex County Council
Braintree District Council
Brentwood District Council
Chelmsford District Council
Colchester District Council
Tendring District Council
Circle Anglia Housing Group
Colne Housing Society
English Rural Housing Association
Flagship Housing Group
Hastoe Housing Association