Tuesday 15 September 2026 | 10:00am–12:00pm | Online
How can rural communities secure the affordable homes they need, and how can the planning system support sustainable rural growth?
Join the Rural Services Network for a dedicated National Rural Conference session exploring rural housing need, planning policy, homelessness and practical approaches to delivering affordable homes.
Taking place online on Tuesday 15 September, this session will bring together leading voices from local government, housing, planning and the homelessness sector. Through expert presentations and an open panel discussion, attendees will hear about the challenges facing rural communities, the approaches already making a difference and the opportunities for change.
What Will The Session Explore?
Affordable housing shortages affect the sustainability of rural communities, making it harder for local people to remain in the places where they live and work. At the same time, homelessness and rough sleeping can be less visible in rural areas, while planning policy must respond to the distinct needs and circumstances of rural places.
The session will explore:
- The new National Planning Policy Framework, Spatial Development Strategies and what they could mean for rural growth
- Evidence of hidden homelessness and rough sleeping in rural communities
- Proactive homelessness prevention in a rural district
- How affordable rural housing can be delivered successfully
- The policies, partnerships and practical action needed to support thriving rural communities
Kerry Booth, Chief Executive of the Rural Services Network, will open the session. The presentations will be followed by an open panel discussion and audience Q&A, providing an opportunity to put questions directly to the speakers and contribute to the wider conversation.
Meet The Speakers
Martin Collett, Chief Executive, English Rural
Martin has worked in the rural housing sector for around 20 years and has dedicated his career to strengthening rural communities through the delivery of high-quality affordable homes.
He is Co-Chair of the Rural Housing Network, a Trustee of CPRE and a Director of the Rural Services Network. His work focuses on ensuring rural homes are well-designed, environmentally responsible and rooted in the needs of local people.
David Barrowcliff, Head of Communications & Technology, English Rural
David joined English Rural in 2019 following a career spanning the media, research and technology sectors. He leads the organisation’s communications and digital transformation work and plays an important role in raising awareness of rural housing issues among policymakers, stakeholders and the public.
Joint presentation from Martin Collett and David Barrowcliff: No More Excuses: Affordable Rural Housing Works
Cllr Rick Deller, Executive Board Member for Housing, Regulatory and Customer Services, Wychavon District Council
Cllr Rick Deller represents Dodderhill ward, which includes two villages and a substantial rural and farming community. His Executive Board portfolio covers strategic housing, homelessness and rough sleeping, private sector housing, environmental health, licensing and customer services.
A key focus of his work is preventing homelessness through early intervention and providing practical support before residents reach crisis point.
Presentation: From Homelessness to Hope: Proactive Homelessness Prevention in a Rural District
Viv Griffiths, National Practice Development Manager, Homeless Link
Viv Griffiths will share insights from the Rural Homelessness Rough Sleeping Snapshot Pilot, examining what its findings reveal about homelessness that can remain hidden within rural communities, and what can be done in response.
Presentation: Rural Rough Sleeping and Homelessness: A Hidden Crisis and What We Can Do About It
Rachel Fisher, Chief Executive, Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI)
Rachel Fisher is Chief Executive of the Royal Town Planning Institute and has extensive experience across planning, land use, regeneration and the built environment.
Before joining the RTPI, Rachel held senior roles in government, including as Deputy Director for Food and Deputy Director for Land Use Policy at Defra. Her previous work has included biodiversity net gain, England’s Land Use Framework and regeneration policy and investment.
Presentation: Planning for Town and Country: The New NPPF, Spatial Development Strategies and Rural Growth
Nadine Trout, Assistant Chief Executive, Rural Services Network
Nadine has more than 20 years’ management experience working with rural communities across the voluntary and local government sectors, both in the UK and overseas.
She has led several award-winning council services, spanning tourism and marketing, economic development, locality working and commissioning. Nadine has also held directorships with destination management and community land trust organisations.
In her role as Assistant Chief Executive, Nadine supports the Rural Services Network’s diverse national membership and is passionate about delivering valued services to members and campaigning for a fair deal for rural communities.
Nadine will be facilitating the session discussion and audience Q&A.
Who Should Attend?
This session will be particularly valuable for:
- Local-authority planning, housing, homelessness and economic-development teams
- Elected members with responsibility for housing, planning or rural communities
- Housing associations and rural housing specialists
- Rural Housing Enablers
- Community-led housing organisations
- Voluntary and community-sector organisations
- Anyone working to improve housing opportunities and strengthen rural communities
This is not an exhaustive list. We welcome colleagues from across RSN member organisations who have an interest in rural housing, planning, homelessness or the long-term sustainability of rural places.
This session is exclusively available to RSN members. Attendance is included at no additional cost with eligible membership packages, while a small fee applies to Rural Village Services Group and Rural Market Town Group members.
Please note that the session will not be recorded. To hear directly from our speakers, take part in the Q&A and contribute to the discussion, you will need to join us live.
Tuesday 15 September 2026
10:00am – 12:00pm
Online
With thanks to our conference supporters
The Rural Services Network would like to thank our National Rural Conference 2026 supporters for helping us deliver this important programme of discussion, learning and shared rural experience.
