Frequently Asked Questions

What are Local Homes for Local People?

These are homes for rent and sale below market rates for people who would like to live in their local village but who cannot afford to buy or rent on the open market. They can be provided at an affordable rent or for Low Cost Home Ownership.

How do we ensure that the homes will remain affordable and for local People? 

The restrictions put on these homes is controlled through the planning permission. This requires a legal agreement (called a Section 106 Agreement) to be signed to ensure that the homes remain affordable and for local people in the future.

What is a Rural Exception site?

Rural Exception Site policy is outlined in the National Planning Policy Framework. It allows sites that would not normally be considered for housing development to be considered for a scheme of local homes for local people. An exception site should be built sympathetically to the surroundings and meet an identified need.

Will the homes be of high quality and fit in with their surroundings?

High standards of quality and design are critical, particularly on exception sites. To be permitted, any scheme will need to demonstrate that it is in keeping with the character of a village and neighbouring properties.

How else can rural affordable homes be delivered through the planning process?

Rural Housing Enablers also help communities to address their housing need by negotiating for an element of affordable housing on open market sites.

Who do Rural Housing Enablers Work With?

We work with Housing Associations, Parish and Ward Councillors, Homes England, local communities and landowners to deliver new affordable homes. Housing Associations that are partners in the North & East Yorkshire Rural Housing Enabler Network are Accent Housing, Adactus Housing, Broadacres Housing Association, Together Housing Group, Coast & Country Housing, Leeds Federated Housing Association, North Star Housing Group, Harrogate Families Housing Association, Home Housing, Stonewater Housing, Guinness Northern Counties, Yorkshire Housing, York Housing Association, Yorkshire Coast Homes and Wakefield District Housing.