Small developments making a huge difference

As one of England’s largest specialist rural housing associations, Hastoe knows only too well the huge and beneficial impact that building just a small number of affordable homes can have on sustaining village life and growing local rural economies.

Research carried out by Pragmatix Advisory has shown that building just 10 affordable homes in a village can provide a £1.4m economic boost, support 26 local jobs, and secure a net return of around £250k for the Treasury –  before even considering other local multiplier effects.

So it was amid much celebration in June that Hastoe and partners, Eltisley Parish Council, South Cambs District Council, Homes England, DCH Construction and The Design Partnership, marked the official completion of 9 new affordable homes in the village of Eltisley. The homes were the first to be built in the village for 30 years and represented a 33% uplift in affordable homes.

Ian Sollom, MP for St Neots and Mid Cambridgeshire, said:

“The shortage of affordable housing across the constituency is a real concern and I am delighted to see the provision of these new homes in Eltisley for local people. It's also great to see that they are good-quality affordable homes, which meet the very highest standard of net zero carbon targets.”

Similarly, in May, there were celebrations for the completion of 47 affordable homes in the East Suffolk village of Martlesham. It is Hastoe’s largest land-led development to date and involved a partnership with Martlesham Parish Council, East Suffolk Council, Homes England, Rose Builders Ltd, architects Ingleton Wood, and employer’s agent Potter Raper.

Jenny Riddell-Carpenter, MP for Suffolk Coastal, said:

“This development is a great example of the kind of truly affordable homes to rent and buy that we urgently need more of. It’s helping local people stay rooted in their community, and I was delighted to see the real difference it’s already making.”

Recognising that few rural communities have the resources or the expertise to initiate the long journey to meet their housing need, during Rural Housing Week (7-11 July), Hastoe held two unique events bringing together a wide range of stakeholders with an interest in affordable housing provision. Each of the events in Parracombe, Devon, and Curdridge, Hampshire, were attended by over 30 delegates representing parish and district councils, community land trusts and planning authorities. Local communities shared their experience with others who were aspiring to build affordable homes and develop Rural Exception Sites.

Ulrike Maccariello, Hastoe’s Development Director, said:

“The affordable housing crisis in rural areas is acute, with the need for homes 50% higher than in urban areas. We wanted to bring together key stakeholders to discuss opportunities, focus on practical advice and provide real-life examples to demonstrate how we can solve this crisis together.” Cllr Frank Maloney attended the event in Hampshire representing Medstead Parish Council, and said: "It provided an in-depth and thought-provoking session on the needs for rural Hampshire. It gave people time to gather their thoughts, time to speak, as well as network with experts in their field."