Mayor for the East Midlands visits rural affordable housing scheme
On 3rd April 2025, we had the distinct honour of hosting Claire Ward, the Mayor for the East Midlands, on a visit to our rural affordable housing scheme at Hannah Bowman Way in Youlgrave.
The visit was an opportunity to showcase the success of the project while shedding light on the unique challenges faced by rural housing associations in meeting the pressing demand for affordable homes in our communities.
Located in the heart of the Peak District National Park, Hannah Bowman Way provides two and three bed houses and bungalows for rent and shared ownership. The scheme is unique in that it was the first in the Peak District National Park to be built with the involvement of a Community Land Trust. And not only does it provide much needed, affordable homes for local people, there is also a community orchard for the enjoyment of residents.
During the visit, the mayor was given a guided tour of the site, meeting with residents who shared their stories of how the new homes have positively transformed not only their lives, but the vibrancy of the village. One of the highlights of the visit was hearing local resident and former Peak District Rural Housing Association Board Member, Anne Croasdell, give a heartfelt account about the history of the scheme, and the benefits it had brought to those living in the homes, and the wider local community.
Demonstrating the challenges faced by rural housing associations
While the mayor was impressed by the scheme’s success, we also took the opportunity to discuss the significant pressures faced by rural housing associations. These include:
- Planning restrictions: Building in rural areas, particularly within National Parks, often involves navigating complex planning regulations designed to protect greenbelt land, which can delay or prevent much-needed developments.
- Rising costs: The cost of construction materials, combined with limited infrastructure in rural areas, places a financial strain on housing associations.
- Community resistance: Although the need for affordable housing is clear, some projects face opposition from local residents concerned about changes to the character of their communities.
- Funding challenges: Securing the necessary funding to deliver these schemes remains a constant struggle, particularly as rural projects often lack the economies of scale seen in urban developments.
Despite these hurdles, we emphasised our unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality homes that meet the needs of local people.
Looking ahead
The visit was a resounding success, providing an opportunity not only to celebrate what has already been achieved but also to draw attention to the urgent need for continued investment and support. As we look to the future, we remain committed to collaborating with partners, advocating for policy changes, and ensuring that rural communities have access to affordable, high-quality housing. The mayor’s visit has helped shine a spotlight on this critical issue, and we are hopeful that it will lead to greater awareness and action.
