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Rural Housing Enabler Project
Rural Housing Enablers are independent advisors who work with communities to support the development of affordable housing schemes in small rural communities (under 3,000 people). Working with communities, parish councils, local authorities and housing providers they will:
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help identify where there is real housing need
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look for suitable exception sites outside current plans
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support site owners and community representatives to navigate the planning system
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create developments in rural areas that meet the needs of local people
Our Rural Housing Enabler will focus on expediting delivery of schemes with 100% affordable homes, in parish communities of around 3000 people. We will work with communities, landowners, Registered Providers and Herefordshire Council to identify rural exception sites and facilitating local housing needs surveys with parishes.
What the process looks like.
If you think you have a housing need, and any ideas about land availability in your parish please get in touch with us using our contact form.
Latest Rural Housing News!
Rural Affordable Housing Enabler Project Builds Momentum Across Herefordshire
The Rural Affordable Housing Enabler Project is making strong progress across Herefordshire and Worcestershire, bringing partners together to tackle the areas pressing need for affordable homes in rural areas.
Over recent months, the project has widened its engagement beyond parish councils to include local authorities, councillors, developers, educational institutions, and community groups. This collaborative approach is helping to identify shared challenges and create practical solutions to support sustainable, locally led housing development.
A series of housing needs surveys are now underway in parishes, giving residents a direct voice in shaping the future of their communities. The surveys will highlight the types of homes most needed — from starter homes for young families to downsizing options for older residents — providing a strong evidence base for future planning.
The project is also developing a site assessment service, offering expert guidance to parishes, landowners, and developers on potential rural housing sites. This service aims to ensure that new schemes are both workable and sensitive to their rural location.
An upcoming stakeholder event in Herefordshire will bring together representatives from local councils, housing providers, developers, and educational partners to collaborate on practical solutions and share best practices in rural housing delivery.
“We’re seeing growing enthusiasm from all corners of the county,” said Rebecca Seignior, Rural Housing Enabler. “By working together, we can unlock opportunities that allow people to live and thrive in the communities they love.”
With strong partnerships, clear local data, and a focus on innovation, the Rural Affordable Housing Enabler Project is helping to shape a more sustainable housing future for Herefordshire and Worcestershire’s rural communities.
Communities Unite to Tackle the Rural Affordable Housing Crisis EVENT
Event: Friday 5th December 2025, 10:30am – 1pm | NMITE, Skylon Park, Hereford.
The Rural Housing Enabler project at Community First Herefordshire and Worcestershire are bringing together people and organisations from across the region to confront one of the most urgent challenges facing rural communities — the lack of affordable housing.
The event, taking place on Friday 5th December from 10:30am to 1pm at NMITE, Skylon Park, Hereford, will unite local residents, community groups, housing associations, developers, and policymakers to explore practical solutions and new approaches to the rural housing crisis.
Across Herefordshire and Worcestershire, the shortage of affordable homes is impacting families, key workers, and young people — threatening the vitality and sustainability of rural life. This gathering will seek to understand the key issues from multiple perspectives and to identify real, achievable solutions that support thriving, inclusive communities.
“This event is about more than discussion — it’s about collaboration and action,” said Rebecca Seignior, Rural Housing Enabler. “We’re inviting everyone with a stake in the future of our rural communities to take part, share ideas, and help shape practical pathways toward lasting change.”
Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from local experts, share community experiences, and engage in open conversation about barriers, opportunities, and innovation in rural housing.
Community First encourages anyone interested in housing, community development, or rural sustainability to attend and contribute to this vital dialogue.
📅 Friday 5th December 2025 | 10:30am – 1pm
📍 NMITE, Skylon Park, Hereford
🔗 To register your interest or find out more, visit Together for Rural Affordable Housing - Herefordshire Tickets, Fri 5 Dec 2025 at 10:30 | Eventbrite or contact rebeccas@comfirst.org.uk