What is the future for rural affordable housing in Berkshire?

CCB’s Rural Housing Enabler, Arlene Kersley, is as busy as ever despite recent cuts in funding and the possibility of more to come.

In 2014-15 the project has undertaken:

•     Completion of a housing need survey for Enborne Parish Council
•     Delivery of a survey report to White Waltham Parish Council and the Hurley & the Walthams Neighbourhood Plan
•     8 homes are now complete at Sunhill in Woolhampton and residents will be moving in as this article is released. An opening celebration is being planned by Testway Housing Association.
•     Wokefield Parish Council will be delivering a housing need survey shortly
•     Mortimer, East Ilsley & Greenham are considering housing surveys for the near future.
•     Community Homes: Models for Development event was run in September in West Berkshire
•     2 Community engagement events, ‘Know your Community’ are planned for March, see separate article and reserve your place.
•     Delivery of Rural Housing Enabler ‘think piece’ to the Lord Best Rural Housing Policy Review which is currently underway.  The summary will be launched at a House of Lords event later this month.

These are uncertain times, many communities are concerned about the levels of development that might be coming their way through updated Local Plans.  This should not stop communities from being aware of their own community needs and of the ways that community needs can be met.

CCB’s RHE, Arlene Kersley is happy to talk to your parish about housing need surveys, rural exception sites and other means of developing community projects.  Contact Arlene on 0118 961 2000, or by email at arlene.kersley@ccberks.org.uk