Land wanted in smaller parishes for affordable housing

OPEN LETTER from Oxfordshire Rural Community Council (ORCC) – http://www.oxonrcc.org.uk/

We are all aware of the recent Strategic Market Housing Assessment (SHMAR) and Report and the increase in new housing provision across the county as a result of this.

The Oxfordshire Rural Housing Partnership would like to remind you that although some communities will fill their affordable housing need by new development, some smaller parishes will not be affected in the same way. Yet, you (smaller parishes) probably do still have an affordable housing need from local people with a local connection to your parish.

The reason for this letter is to highlight that we are still very keen to see affordable homes for local people in order to keep villages vibrant and growing, and to improve community infrastructure. Rural Exception Sites are still sought in parishes where there has been found to be a housing need and we are actively wanting land owners to come forward if they would like their land considered as a Rural Exception Site. A Rural Exception Site is normally attached to, or within a village, but wouldn’t be considered for normal development. The developments are only built if there is a local need and the parish support the idea.

You may also consider joining a parish near yours (clustering) in order to provide affordable housing for local people on a Rural Exception Site?

If you know of a landowner who may be interested in making their land available for the good of the community or you feel you may have an affordable housing need in your parish and would like to talk about a housing needs survey, please contact me on 01865 883488 or email orcc@oxonrcc.org.uk

Jill Brooks
Rural Housing Enabler
Oxfordshire Rural Community Council