THE RURAL COMMUNITIES REGENERATION GROUP

The lack of affordable rural housing within the deanery is a concern for many of us.  You may be aware of “Living working countryside”, The Taylor Review of Rural Economy and Affordable Housing which was published earlier this year.  Many recommendations were produced by the report including reviewing of planning policy.  Landowners were also encouraged to release land  for community led affordable housing where clear criteria of local need, local support, appropriate scale and good design are met – homes which will remain affordable and for local people in perpetuity.

 Within recent months the position of the Church of England with regard to selling land for affordable housing has been clarified by the Charities Commission.  If a disposal of land furthers a charity’s purposes then it can be at below the best price reasonably obtainable.  Many people would understand that part of the doctrine of Christianity is the assistance of poor and needy people, and therefore activities towards those ends could be seen as a means of advancing Christianity.

 I should like your help in identifying any parcels of land within the deanery owned by the church that may be suitable for further investigation.  I should also like to hear of any affordable housing schemes within the parishes that are being developed or that are already established.

 If you would like any further information or would like me to come and speak to any PCCs or church groups, then please don’t hesitate to contact Rob Walrond on 01458 253002 or thewalronds@hotmail.co.uk 

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