Affordable housing on the rise in Dorset’s rural communities

Hundreds of affordable homes have been delivered for Dorset residents in the last financial year as part of the response to growing need in our rural communities.

Working with a range of housing associations, there were a total of 461 new affordable homes during 2024/5. These include a range of different types, including rented and shared ownership as well as houses for local key workers.

These include 158 in the Eastern planning region (64 in Wimborne, 37 in West Parley and 35 in Verwood); 165 in the northern region (57 in Dorchester and 55 in  Gillingham) and 121 in the western and southern region (83 in Weymouth and 13 in Chickerell).

Commenting on the figures at the start of Rural Housing Week (7 - 11 July), Dorset Council's Cabinet member for Health and Housing, Councillor Gill Taylor, said: “The pipeline of schemes coming forward remains positive, despite issues such as nutrient neutrality, build costs and labour shortages.

“While we’ve seen progress in recent years, we know the demand for affordable homes is high and innovative approaches are being considered, including best use of council-owned land.

"Providing high-quality, affordable housing remains one of our top priorities, and this will be evident in the emerging Local Plan.”

There are several rural affordable housing schemes currently coming to fruition within the next six months.  

Under construction is Webbers Piece, Maiden Newton, a 14-home development of nine properties for affordable rent and five for shared ownership, being delivered by Magna Housing.

Using modern methods of construction (MMC), the energy efficient, timber framed homes are built partially off site, to improve the quality and finish.

In addition, sheltered housing next to the site have been retrofitted with solar panels, external cladding and modern heating systems to make them more energy efficient. 

This Autumn, Churchill Fields, Winterborne Stickland, a selection of two and three-bedroom shared ownership homes from Sovereign Network Group should be completed.  

The eco-friendly homes are designed with sustainability in mind, featuring air source heating and solar PV panels to help reduce energy costs.

Bournemouth Churches Housing Association (BCHA) and Wyatt Homes are developing 24 properties at Fiddleford Ridge, Sturminster Newton, with sixteen for affordable rent and eight for shared ownership. The homes will be a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom flats, due for completion between August 2025 and January 2026.

Existing affordable rural housing schemes, delivered by Housing Associations, including Abri, Aster and Hastoe, in collaboration with Community Land Trusts (CLTs) can be found in Drimpton, Broadwindsor, Toller Porcorum, Powerstock, Bishops Caundle, Marshwood, Maiden Newton and Worth Matravers. These homes have made a significant difference to the lives of individual residents and the wider village communities.

Other notable schemes involving Community Land Trusts include the Southwell, Portland development of nine affordable homes with East Borough Housing Trust and the award-winning Bridport co-housing project, Hazelmead, with 53 affordable homes.

Councillor Gill Taylor added: “As we’re a predominantly rural county, this week of action is important to all of us. I am pleased that we’re highlighting developments that demonstrate our commitment to sustainable growth, working with partners to build more affordable homes in Dorset.”

One of the key Dorset Council partnerships in relation to Rural Housing is the council’s support of Defra's Rural Housing Enabler project by collaborating with Dorset Community Action, to help boost the supply of affordable housing in rural areas. 

By working together, Local Housing Needs Surveys are being carried out with Parish Councils to help them determine what type and size of housing is needed.

Affordable Housing includes discounted market homes, first homes, shared ownership (part rent/part buy), affordable and social rent and over 55’s accommodation.

Priority is given to applicants with a local connection.

To access social and affordable housing to rent residents must join the Dorset Housing Register.

Future developments, include a Community Land Trust (CLT) project in Dorchester with 20 one-bedroom flats on the Trinity Street tennis courts.