Cheshire Community Action (CCA) is pleased to announce that the Rural Housing Enabler Programme will continue for another year, thanks to extended funding from Defra through to March 2026.

Over the past 12 months, we’ve been working closely with Parish and Town Councils, Local Authorities, Housing Associations, and landowners to enable the delivery of affordable housing across rural communities. Our collective efforts have resulted in:

  • 19,353 surveys distributed across 8 communities to understand local housing needs
  • 13 rural affordable housing schemes now in the development pipeline
  • 164 potential affordable homes in the pipeline

Social Value of The Programme

CCA has also conducted an assessment of the Social Return on Investment for the Government funded Programme to date using the UK’s only accredited social value measurement tool – Social Value Engine. Based on measures related to housing needs surveys and making progress to delivery of Rural Housing, the Programme has a Social Value of £20.68 per £1 of Government funding invested.

A Collaborative Approach to Rural Housing

To help guide the Programme and strengthen partnership working, CCA has established the Rural Housing Task Group—a cross-sector coalition united by the goal of increasing rural affordable housing. Members include:

  • Cheshire West & Chester Council
  • Cheshire East Council
  • Warrington Borough Council
  • Weaver Vale Housing Trust
  • Peaks & Plains Housing Trust
  • Grosvenor Hart Homes
  • Barnston Estate
  • Cholmondeley Estate
  • Combermere Abbey Estate
  • Grosvenor Estate
  • Tatton Estate
  • Enterprise Cheshire & Warrington

How We Can Help Your Local Council

If your Parish or Town Council is concerned about meeting affordable housing needs, we’re here to help. As your Rural Housing Enabler, I can support you with:

  • Engaging Councillors on the process and potential of rural affordable housing
  • Conducting Housing Needs Surveys to uncover local demand—from downsizers to first-time buyers and those needing specialist accommodation
  • Identifying suitable sites that align with planning policy
  • Advising on delivery models, including partnerships with housing associations or community-led development
  • Guiding the use of planning tools, such as Neighbourhood Plan policies and Neighbourhood Development Orders

This support not only helps your Local Council respond to current housing challenges, but also inform your community to engage proactively in Local Plan reviews by Cheshire West & Chester Council and Cheshire East Council, helping local voices to influence long-term development strategies.

Contact: john.heselwood@cheshireaction.org.uk (RHE Programme Lead)