Exciting News

That reminds me exactly why I do this work.

Last Friday I had the privilege of witnessing Avril Shaw, the driving force behind Larkrise Cohousing, sign the Section 106 agreement for their community-led housing scheme.

It’s a moment more than a year in the making.

Behind that signature sits an incredible amount of dedication, determination and collaboration. Architects, surveyors, planners, strategic housing officers, planning consultants, development consultants and many others have all played their part in helping this happen.

With the Section 106 agreement now complete, planning permission can be granted for a truly inspiring rural development, providing a mix of market and affordable homes. Even more encouraging was the unanimous support at Planning Committee, where members commented: “We need more developments like this in Herefordshire.”

They’re absolutely right.

Community-led housing has enormous potential to create homes that genuinely reflect local needs while strengthening communities for generations to come. Yet too many projects never reach this point. Our planning and development systems are largely designed around large-scale developers, making it incredibly difficult for community groups, smaller developers and local organisations to navigate the process.

That is why Rural Housing Enablers exist.

We are here to help communities turn ambition into reality—to guide parish councils, community groups, SME developers, landowners and registered providers through the complexities of delivering the affordable homes rural communities need.

Every successful scheme proves that it can be done.

Congratulations to Avril and everyone involved with Larkrise Cohousing. This achievement is a testament to perseverance, partnership and a shared belief that rural communities deserve the homes they need to thrive.

Here’s to many more projects like this.

Rebecca Seignior RHE - rebeccas@comfirst.org.uk - 01684210876