Affordable Rural Housing – Events in July

Affordable housing for local people is one of the biggest challenges facing rural communities. Parish councils and community groups are increasingly taking the lead on finding solutions, whether by working in partnership with a housing association or by setting up their own Community Land Trust (CLT).

We’d like to invite you to find out more, with two ways to join us:

Online session
Tuesday 14 July 2026, 6.00-7.00pm
An online session covering the options for rural parishes, and the support available from the Rural Housing Enabler at the West of England Rural Network, followed by Q&A. A joining link will be sent ahead of the session.
Book your place: https://buytickets.at/middlemarchcommunityledhousingcic/2273359

In-person event
Thursday 16 July 2026, 1.30pm – 4.00pm
Marshfield Church Hall, Bell Square, Marshfield, Chippenham SN14 8HS
Tea, coffee and biscuits from 1.30pm, followed by a presentation and discussion covering the options for rural parishes, and the support available from the Rural Housing Enabler at the West of England Rural Network, also hear from members of Marshfield CLT and take a walk (or short drive) up to visit 15 affordable, Passivhaus-standard homes delivered by Marshfield CLT, now completed and occupied.
Book your place: https://buytickets.at/middlemarchcommunityledhousingcic/2273308

Whether your parish is just starting to think about affordable housing or already has a project underway, both sessions are a great opportunity to learn from others and ask questions. If you’d like to see a finished scheme for yourself, we’d especially encourage you to join us in Marshfield.

We hope you can join us at one of these.

Alison Ward – Middlemarch Community Led Housing CIC and the West of England Rural Network
email: alison.ward@middlemarchclh.co.uk.