Cambridgeshire ACRE’s rural housing development work treads a very thin line. We know that rural residents are often keen to preserve the village-feel of their communities but we also know that small developments of rural affordable homes help protect the fabric of village life by keeping services, schools and shops viable. Research from the National Housing Federation shows that building just 10 new affordable homes in a village supports 26 local jobs and adds over £1.4 million to the local economy.

A recent example of our work in this area is at Harston Road in the South Cambridgeshire village of Newton where we were involved in bringing forward a small development of just 8 new high-quality homes.

Newton is a small Cambridgeshire village with a population of around 400 people. The village retains a strong sense of community, supported by local amenities such as a village hall, a pub, and a church. However, access to key services, including schools and medical facilities, requires travel to nearby towns.

A Housing Needs Survey, facilitated by Cambridgeshire ACRE in June 2019, identified a significant demand for affordable housing in the village. The survey received a 35% response rate and highlighted a strong local need, with 75% of respondents supporting a small affordable housing development for local people.

The survey found that homeownership in Newton is increasingly out of reach for many residents, with property prices and rental rates significantly higher than the South Cambridgeshire average. The results provided the necessary evidence to justify the development of a rural exception site to meet local housing needs.

In partnership with the local Parish Council and Cambridge Housing Society, we brought forward a scheme that included six affordable rented homes and two shared ownership properties. These attractive new properties were designed to be highly energy efficient, achieving an A-rated energy performance rating through the installation of solar panels, air source heat pumps and excellent full-house insulation. With generous gardens and open-field views, we are delighted that residents are now settling into their new homes.

If your parish council would be interested in assessing local housing need, then why not speak to one of our rural housing enablers to kickstart the process.