Identifying Need

Evidencing the need for affordable housing in rural villages is essential in getting a project underway. Although there is considerable data to show at national, regional and local levels that low-income households are often priced out of rural areas, Planners will usually want evidence of the need for affordable housing in a particular village or settlement before planning permission will be given. This is particularly important if a potential site falls outside of the area that would normally be considered for housing development – an ‘Exception Site'.

Evidence and data to show the level of affordable housing need in a village is gathered in a number of different ways. The method or methods used will depend upon local circumstances, the requirements of the Planning Authority and the quality of existing data and information. Methods for gathering data and assessing the level of affordable housing need include:

• Analysis of the Local Authority Housing Register
• Analysis of existing sources of data, for example:- Census
  - Income/wages surveys
  - Local housing market information
  - Parish Plans
• Specially commissioned surveys or events, for example:
  - Village Housing Needs Survey
  - Community consultation/drop-in events