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Rural housing crisis ideas discussed at Conservative conference
Overview
At a fringe meeting during the Conservative conference, proposals to build 10 to 15 new homes in every village were discussed as a way to tackle the rural housing crisis and support local amenities. Experts and local politicians highlighted the severe affordability gap in rural areas, where average house prices are about 16 times earnings, forcing younger residents to leave. While small-scale developments could transform national housing supply, discussions also emphasised the need for accompanying infrastructure, employment spaces, and planning reforms.
Key points
- Average rural house prices are approximately 16 times average rural earnings, according to a study by English Rural.
- A proposal discussed at the Conservative conference suggested building 10 to 15 new homes in every village to meet national housing demand without overwhelming communities.
- National planning rules require developments of 10 or more homes to include affordable housing options such as shared ownership or rent-to-buy.
- Local representatives stressed that new housing must be matched with local employment spaces and infrastructure to prevent residents from commuting elsewhere.
- The Labour government has also published a report recognising insufficient rural housing delivery and promised planning reforms to encourage smaller-scale developments.