Delivering the Types of Homes Communities Need

Why We Need ‘A Different Approach’

Rural communities across the UK face unique challenges that threaten their long-term sustainability and prosperity. While rural areas are often celebrated for their natural beauty and strong sense of community, they are also grappling with issues that, if left unaddressed, could undermine their future viability. These challenges include the lack of affordable housing for local residents, limited options for older people looking to downsize, and a shortage of affordable workspaces to support local businesses and entrepreneurs.

The shortage of affordable housing is one of the most pressing issues facing rural communities. Rising property prices, driven in part by second home ownership and a lack of housing supply, have made it increasingly difficult for young people, families, and local workers to find suitable homes. This has created a divide between long-standing residents and newcomers, with many local people being priced out of the housing market and forced to leave their communities. The consequence is a depopulation of rural areas, with young people moving away for better opportunities elsewhere, leaving behind an ageing population and fewer workers to support local economies.

Equally concerning is the lack of affordable housing options for older people who wish to downsize. As the population ages, many people in rural communities want to remain close to family, friends, and the places they’ve lived for most of their lives. 

However, the scarcity of suitable, affordable homes for downsizing means that many older residents are forced to under-occupy the homes they are in. This not only disrupts the social fabric but also reduces the overall availability of larger family homes for younger families, further exacerbating the housing crisis.

In addition to housing, there is a growing need for affordable business units and commercial spaces in rural areas. Many rural economies rely on small businesses and local entrepreneurs to drive growth and create jobs. However, without affordable workspaces, many businesses struggle to establish themselves or expand, limiting economic opportunities for local residents and contributing to economic stagnation in these areas.

The Devon Housing Commission

The Devon Housing Commission has highlighted these challenges in its report, which notes that traditional policies often fail to address the specific needs of rural communities. The Commission has stated that ‘successive governments have underrated the contribution rural economies can make to the nation’s prosperity and wellbeing’ and ‘applied policies which were largely devised for urban and suburban economies, and which are often inappropriate for rural England. This must change.’ The Commission also stresses that rural areas are at a point of major transition, and a new approach is urgently needed to support rural communities through this transition.

In response to these challenges, ‘A Different Approach’ (ADA) seeks to deliver innovative, locally tailored housing and economic solutions for rural areas. ADA advocates for a diverse range of housing options, including affordable homes for young people, families, and older residents, as well as affordable workspaces to support local businesses. By focusing on community-led, flexible solutions, ADA aims to create balanced and sustainable rural communities where people of all ages can live, work, and thrive. This approach recognises the unique needs of rural areas and aims to provide solutions that preserve the character of these communities while ensuring they remain vibrant and prosperous for generations to come.