STRATEGIC EXPERTISE AND FUNCTIONAL KNOWLEDGE
Midlands Rural Housing recognises the value of good communication between different stakeholders in the provision and management of rural homes, whether at strategic or operational level.
Strategic input
MRH have an in depth understanding of rural housing at all levels. We become involved long before there is even talk of affordable housing being provided in a specific village. Our strategic position ensures that we are involved in consultations and groups looking into national, regional, sub regional and local strategies. This includes Ministerial consultation; Regional Planning; Housing Strategy formulation; Planning Policy; Rural Action Planning etc.
Local Authority/Parish Council Liaison
We know that the provision of village housing requires significant input at the local level if it is to be successful. For this reason the involvement of the Local Authority and Parish Council is vital in any development proposal. Their local knowledge is invaluable in identifying housing needs and the opportunites to provide homes. We consult Parish Councils on a range of issues, and this includes the design and layout of any proposed development.
Housing Need Surveys
A Housing Needs Survey is the first step in addressing the affordable housing needs of a rural community. The survey will establish the need and local support for affordable housing, and indicate the numbers, types and tenure of dwellings required.
MRH has significant experience of conducting such surveys, and ensuring they meet the requirements of planning authorities.
Land Identification
Midlands Rural Housing will work in partnership with the Parish Council and local landowners to find a site that is acceptable to the local community and the Local Planning Authority. We recognise this is a sensitive process involving a range of stakeholders, however, in the majority of villages we have succeeded in securing sites.
Scheme Design
MRH can act as the primary reference point between the local community, architects and planners in order to design a scheme that meets the needs of the community and the requirements of the Local Authority. We carry out full community consultation which provides useful feedback, and an opportunity for prospective residents to view the proposals.
Planning
The English countryside is heavily protected by planning law; MRH recognises the value of this, but will look to secure ‘exception’ planning consents to ensure local housing needs can be met. Our years of experience, and good relationships with the local planning authorities, have given us significant success in this respect.
MRH can take the lead in the planning application process, and work with the Local Authority and its development partners to secure funding for the scheme. Post construction we are able to provide a high quality housing management service to the residents and ensure that the homes are maintained to the highest standards.
Housing Management
The staff at MRH manage over 1,200 homes for our Housing Association partners. This specialist management of rural housing stock is available to any Housing Association, or developer, throughout our area of operation, and our clearly defined performance standards ensure consistently high levels of service based around housing services, neighbourhood management and maintenance.