Keeping Village Alive
Village housing within the Peak District and its surroundings is seen to be highly desirable, by commuters, for retirement and for second or holiday homes. The demand is far greater than the supply, causing house prices and private sector rents to be beyond the reach of those on ordinary incomes. This makes it difficult for local people, including many who have grown up in the area and wish to be near their families, to buy or lease their own home. Young people, in particular, are often forced to seek less expensive accommodation in neighbouring towns and cities. The problem has not been helped by the sale of council houses under the ‘right to buy’ scheme. While, in the first instance, this assisted tenants to afford their own homes, these houses are now frequently sold on for higher prices. If rural villages are to be kept alive, communities need to provide accommodation for all age and income groups. This requires a range of housing types, including some that are affordable to those on lower incomes.
Planning
Planning law enables local authorities to designate suitable land for the development of affordable housing for local people. Housing approved in this way can be made available at less than the market price because the occupancy restriction imposed on it will reduce its value. However, the only truly affordable housing is likely to be that available from Registered Social Landlords (RSLs) because they are non- profit-making organisations.
Rent or shared ownership
RSLs can provide housing for rent or shared ownership. They aim to ensure that their housing remains affordable for present and future occupants. Tenants do not have the right to buy but instead have access to other subsidy schemes, which help them into home ownership. Rents are reasonable and controlled by government guidelines. Sharing owners buy a part share of up to 80 per cent of the value of a property, according to their means. The remaining share is held by the RSL and this ensures that the affordability of the property is maintained for the benefit of future sharing owners.