Uttlesford District Council will require us to build a small number of affordable houses as part of the scheme. Before we decide how many houses are acceptable, we will need to carry out a housing needs survey in Manuden.

The survey will be carried out by the Rural Housing Enabler, based at the Rural Community Council of Essex (RCCE). A survey form will be delivered to every home in the village; a good response is required and responses will be posted back to the RCCE and remain anonymous.

We expect several people to be in need of an affordable home in the village and estimate that perhaps four homes would be recommended. It is likely that some will be for rent and others for sale on a shared-ownership basis. This will be determined by the survey. Homes will be owned and managed by a Registered Social Landlord (Housing Association), regulated and funded by the Housing Corporation.

Because the houses will be built outside the village development boundary, they can and will be restricted for allocation to people with a strong local connection to Manuden as a matter of priority. There is no “right-to-buy” in rural areas so the houses will remain affordable and available to local people in perpetuity. A legal agreement will enforce this when planning permission is granted.

A local example of rural affordable housing can be seen at Oxleys Close on the right hand side of the road into Clavering, adjacent to the shop. This scheme was built by the Rural Housing Trust; there are 14 homes for rent or shared ownership and all are occupied by people with a strong local connection to Clavering.