Building a better future for rural communities

This week we’re supporting Rural Housing Week – an annual campaign that shines a spotlight on the vital importance of housing associations for rural communities.

Taking place 1-5 July, this year’s Rural Housing Week focuses on why rural communities need the next government to commit to a long-term plan for housing.

Affordable housing is essential to the prosperity of rural communities. Research shows that building just 10 affordable homes in a rural area generates £1.4m for the economy and supports an average of 26 jobs in the area. However, despite the relatively small scale of these projects, building new affordable homes in rural areas is extremely challenging.

Since it coincides with the general election, Rural Housing Week is an important opportunity to highlight the role affordable housing providers can play in meeting need, and the huge economic and social benefits that a proper rural strategy would bring.

Our new homes in the small village of Allscott, Telford and Wrekin are a snapshot of just how important affordable homes are in rural communities.

The Allscott Meads development sits on the site of the village’s old sugar beet factory. Disused since its closure in 2007, developers SJ Roberts Homes have given the site a new purpose. As well as providing a mix of homes, the site also features a new primary school and will soon include retail and business units.

Residents have the perfect balance between modern living and nature. Allscott Meads is also served well by local facilities, including pubs and local sports clubs, while Shrewsbury and Telford are both just a 15-minute drive away.

A number of Wrekin customers have moved in to their new homes at Allscott Meads, including Lynn Harris:

Lynn said:

“It’s really lovely here. The estate is beautiful and my daughter lives nearby – I wanted to be close by because I have two little grandchildren. I used to have to get in the car to come and visit them, now it’s just a short walk. I used to live in a private rent property – there was always that fear that they might sell up. I don’t have that worry anymore living here – it’s all worked out fantastically.

“The whole process has been very smooth – this is now my happy-ever-after home.”

30th June 2024