Councillor Danny Lee raised concerns at the recent Housing Committee about the absence of new affordable housing schemes in the eastern part of the Winchester City Council district area.
A lack of affordable housing in rural areas risks creating social difficulties for the elderly but especially for the young who will move to the urban areas.
If the Housing Strategy is to work closely with Parish Councils to locate sites across the district in line with housing demands then more action needs to be apparent.
Defra’s ‘Unleashing Rural Opportunity’ approach by expanding the Rural Housing Enablers scheme can be a catalyst to unlock potential in rural areas and is therefore most welcome.
This support in tandem with opportunities to work with ACRE (Action with Communities in Rural England) is equally welcome. ACRE is a charity that supports initiatives to equip people with the knowledge, skills, and connections needed to improve local communities.
These helpful pathways reduce the barriers for Parish Councils and Winchester City Council to identify any rural housing demands under the Winchester Housing Strategy.
Look forward to seeing the unleashing of any rural opportunities!
See the Hampshire Chronicle article here.. https://www.hampshirechronicle.co.uk/…/24098973…/…
