Rural Housing Week: Knowing your NIMBY from your BANANA in the world of rural, affordable housing
I first came across the acronym NIMBY when I attended a communications training day for people involved in rural affordable housing.
It was an event attended mainly by Rural Housing Enablers (individuals who help establish affordable housing in rural communities) and communications professionals like me.
Not In My Back Yard and Build Absolutely Nothing Anywhere Near Anything (or BANANA) are words which are sometimes used in response to plans for affordable homes in rural communities.
In our idyllic villages, affordable housing developments can be a divisive subject. Some residents believe it will destroy their community and ruin the environment they live in. However, many see the benefits and believe there’s a need rural affordable housing in society. It builds social cohesion by strengthening communities as well as a whole host of other positives.
So, why is it rattling the rafters of our rural rooftops?
To help unravel the differences of opinion, here are our very own acronyms to describe the REALITY vs STIGMA vs attached to affordable housing in our Hampshire villages.
The REALITY…
Revives communities by attracting a wider cross-section of society – young people, families, those from different backgrounds and professions
Enables people to live near to their family, place of work or where they grew up
Attracts key workers to an area which they may not normally be able to afford
Local economy receives a boost. Research indicates 10 new affordable homes can generate £1.4 million for the local economy and support 26 jobs
Inclusivity - affordable homes help diverse and vibrant communities grow. Homes for different ages, backgrounds and income levels, contribute to breaking down barriers to opportunity and foster inclusivity
Ties families back together. Those who have grown up in the village can return as no longer priced out of the area
Yes, to Rural Affordable Housing in Hampshire!
The STIGMA…
Social housing - it will be unattractive. FALSE developments are designed by reputable, often award-winning architects
Traffic congestion – more houses, more cars. FALSE developments are small, often under 10 properties, keeping the environmental impact from cars to a minimum)
Impact on the environment- new housing won’t be energy efficient. FALSE developments built according to strict building standards to ensure efficiency and minimise environmental impact
Grows the second home market and holiday lets. FALSE properties are not allowed for re-sale or holiday let
Minimises green space. FALSE properties are built on rural exception sites and are small developments crucial to providing affordable housing.
Attracts the ‘wrong type of people’. FALSE attracts people who can support the community by working as carers, nurses, teachers or contribute to the local economy
Action Hampshire is committed to building and strengthening communities. We help identify local housing needs and enable communities to develop rural housing schemes. For more information about our recently completed development at Curdridge please see the link below.
Follow this link to find out more about Rural Affordable Housing
*an individual representing an organisation which helps bring affordable housing to local communities