"Grow by building new homes in partnership with rural communities"
Despite the challenging financial climate, this year saw another successful period of growth through our active development programme.
Working closely with rural communities, local planning authorities, and the invaluable network of Rural Housing Enablers, we delivered a substantial number of much-needed affordable homes, continuing our commitment to building vibrant, sustainable rural communities.
This was the first full year of implementing our refreshed Development Strategy, which sets out ambitious standards for quality, design, and environmental performance. We achieved completion of 31 new affordable homes, with a further 64 homes actively underway. Among the newly delivered properties, we were particularly proud that 27% were made available at social rents, helping address affordability pressures faced by residents in high-cost rural areas.
The financial landscape for developing smaller rural sites remains complex, compounded by increased borrowing costs, elevated construction costs, rural infrastructure challenges, and the stringent requirements of planning and building regulations. Nevertheless, our revised approach to assessing development viability has allowed us to identify potential funding gaps earlier, facilitating better-informed conversations with partners and securing essential third-party financial support to bring challenging projects to fruition.
Strategically, we maintained a clear focus on Rural Exception Sites, where the demand and impact for affordable rural housing are greatest. We also progressed previously stalled schemes, reviving essential projects through innovative approaches and external funding support. These homes provide immediate and lasting benefits to the communities they serve, offering secure, affordable housing options in areas where traditional market solutions fall short.
Looking ahead, we will sustain our focus on maintaining the viability and sustainability of our development pipeline, carefully balancing financial prudence with our ongoing commitment to delivering homes of outstanding quality and environmental credentials.
Affordable Rural Homes: Delivering for Rural Communities
During 2024/25, we proudly delivered new affordable homes across several rural communities. In Kent, we completed two homes in the village of Challock. In Essex, 15 new affordable homes were delivered, with seven in Stebbing and eight in Clavering. Additionally, our largest completion of the year saw 14 new affordable homes provided in Avening, Gloucestershire.
Looking forward into 2025/26, our active development pipeline continues to grow, with new affordable homes planned in a number of key rural villages. In Kent, developments are progressing in Chiddingstone Chequers, West Kingsdown, Halstead, Chiddingstone Causeway, Egerton, Penshurst, and Mersham. Essex will see further completions in Thaxted and Manuden, while Hampshire communities in Longstock, Copythorne, Herriard, and Smannell will also benefit from new affordable homes.
Through continued partnership working, we remain dedicated to delivering high-quality homes, responding directly to the needs and aspirations of rural communities.
…with over 100 homes in the development pipeline.
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Completion of 31 new affordable homes, including seven shared ownership properties, surpassing our original delivery targets.
Significant development activity with a further 64 homes under construction, ensuring a healthy pipeline of future completions.
Successful implementation of our updated Development Strategy, embedding higher standards for quality, design, and environmental sustainability across all new developments.
Continued effective partnership working with Homes England and local authorities, enabling vital financial support and the provision of homes at social rent levels.
Revived previously stalled rural housing schemes through innovative solutions and securing additional external funding.
Shepherdswell, Kent
>> Financial viability of smaller rural sites continues to present significant challenges due to high construction costs, limited economies of scale, and increased infrastructure demands. Close partnership working, early identification of funding gaps, and innovative procurement practices remain critical.
>> Robust contractor management and careful monitoring of financial risks remain crucial in the current economic environment. Identifying vulnerabilities early helps mitigate potential risks to project delivery and financial stability.
>> Third-party funding and strategic collaboration with local authorities and Homes England are essential to overcoming financial barriers, particularly in complex rural projects, enabling the continued delivery of affordable homes.
