THE issue of rural housing in a changing and challenging environment is set to be discussed by local authorities and other stakeholders.

Organised by the Chartered Institute of Housing in partnership with the Rural Services Network, the conference is due to take place in Exeter on 25 September.

Rural areas are some of the least affordable places to live in the country.

The event will support rural authorities and partners to address significant issues around rural housing from management issues, the impacts of welfare reform and the development of new affordable rural housing.

Within the current challenging environment it is more important than ever that good quality and affordable housing is available for rural communities.

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) removed swathes of the previous planning framework.

Following its launch, the government made further attempts to drive forward new housing development.

But barriers still exist to this resource which is so vital in meeting local needs and contributing to the sustainability of local communities, villages and towns.

The conference will examine how to make the NPPF work for rural housing in this continuously changing environment.

It will explore the viability of alternative models of housing delivery in a rural context.

Experts will also consider the introduction of neighbourhood plans and the role they have in encouraging rural communities to accept development.

Any household spending more than 10% of its income on fuel is in fuel poverty.

With earnings often being lower in rural areas than they are in urban areas and the increased challenges provided by housing not connected to main utility networks fuel poverty is greater.

The event will also investigate the challenges presented by welfare reform in rural areas and look at how to overcome them.

Speakers will analyse the importance of providing suitable accommodation for older people, necessary adaptations and ensuring links with local services to avoid isolation.

For further details, including how to book, click here.