Our Mission

Our Mission

To drive meaningful change in rural communities, A Different Approach (ADA) is committed to working collaboratively with local authorities and actively listening to the needs of communities. We recognise that addressing the housing crisis in rural areas requires a multifaceted approach, one that not only focusses on providing a diverse range of affordable homes but also supports the local economy through the creation of affordable workspaces. Without an adequate supply of both housing and workspaces, rural businesses struggle to grow, and local economies become stagnant.

At ADA, we believe that effective change must start at the grassroots level. We are focussed on empowering communities to take the lead in shaping housing solutions that work for them. This means listening to local voices, understanding their unique challenges, and using available tools to design housing policies that reflect these needs. Community-led housing plays a central role in this approach, allowing local residents to take an active role in solving their housing problems. By giving people the power to influence development plans and decisions, we ensure that solutions are both appropriate and sustainable for the long term.

One of the key strategies we support is the growth and development of Community Land Trusts (CLTs). These locally led organisations are dedicated to providing affordable housing solutions for rural areas. 

CLTs enable communities to take control of land and development, ensuring that new housing meets local needs while remaining affordable for future generations. By supporting these grassroots initiatives, we can create housing that is not only affordable but also rooted in the community’s vision and values.

In addition to supporting community-led housing, we recognise the need for a broader range of housing models to meet the needs of all income brackets and generations. This includes affordable homes for first-time buyers, older residents wishing to downsize, and families in need of larger homes. We believe that housing solutions must be flexible and responsive to the demographic diversity of rural communities, and they should provide homes that allow people to stay in the communities where they have strong ties. At the same time, we must focus on providing affordable workspaces to support local businesses, create jobs, and strengthen the rural economy. A thriving local economy requires both homes and workspaces to be in balance.

Ultimately, our vision is to develop well-balanced, sustainable communities that are future-proofed for generations to come. By working collectively with local authorities, communities, and organisations like CLTs, we can create housing solutions that foster long-term prosperity, strengthen local economies, and ensure that rural areas remain vibrant places to live and work for years ahead. Through this collaborative, community-driven approach, we aim to build rural communities where people can thrive in both their homes and their workplaces.