Building rural communities | Meeting the housing need

Rural housing - why it matters to us

Delivering vital affordable housing in rural areas is a cornerstone of our development programme at Stonewater. Research tells us that building rural homes generates millions for the local economy and supports an average of 26 jobs in an area. That’s why we’ll always look to invest in rural communities.

We currently own and manage 7,812 properties in these areas across England – around 20% of our total stock. But we also have a long term commitment to delivering more high-quality affordable homes in rural communities through an ambitious development programme.

Every year we take part in Rural Housing Week, an initiative launched by the National Housing Federation to highlight the many social and economic benefits of affordable housing to rural communities.

To watch the video below, please click the green cookies icon at the bottom of the page and make sure 'functional cookies' are enabled.

Hear from our Chief Growth and Development Officer

It’s important to remember the villages we know and love around England didn’t get there by accident, but have evolved over centuries. We have to ensure our building programme is dynamic and rises above the complex challenges of rural house building, including higher costs, lower funding and complex planning requirements.

Jonathan Layzell says:

"Building new homes can help to sustain and support the services that those living in rural communities hold dear. It’s important that villages continue to grow in a dynamic way to meet the needs of people living and working in that environment."

Read Jonathan's opinion piece

Explore some of our rural schemes

Axbridge, Somerset

Mendip View is a development of 20 affordable homes, making use of the latest technology to achieve A-rated energy efficiency.

The homes include innovative Wondrwall heating systems, as well as electric car charging points and PV-panels.

Holt, Wiltshire

This small development is made up of 10 energy efficient homes, built to Passivhaus standards.

The scheme, which sits next to our Phase 1 development at Star Ground, sits 11 miles east of Bath and includes bus services to local towns.

Ahead of Rural Housing Week, Holt Parish Councillors were invited to the development at Station Road to discuss the importance of rural housing provision across Wiltshire.

Cradley, Herefordshire

We partnered with Living Space to provide 32 new homes for affordable rent and Shared Ownership alongside 19 homes for market sale in Cradley, Herefordshire.

Nestled in the picturesque Malvern Hills, Cradley is a perfect example of a rural village where local wages are relatively low, but property prices are high.

Loxwood, Sussex

The scheme features 50 houses and flats for affordable rent, Shared Ownership and Rent to Buy.

Flats have been fitted with infra-red heating systems and the houses with air source heat pumps, which reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 37 per cent.