Led by the National Housing Federation, Rural Housing Week runs from 6 to 10 July 2026 and celebrates the role affordable housing plays in supporting people to stay close to family, work and local support networks in rural areas.
According to the 2011 census, 48.2% of Somerset’s population live in rural areas, making it one of the ten most rural authorities in England. Somerset Council’s Affordable Housing team works with housing providers, developers, parish councils and community partners to support the delivery of high-quality affordable homes where they are needed most.
In 2025/26, 117 affordable homes were completed in Somerset’s rural communities.
In 2026/27,
- 25 rural applications are currently in progress which will deliver around 450 affordable homes, and 3 of these schemes include some wheelchair adapted homes.
- 43 sites have planning consent which could deliver around 1,600 affordable homes.
- 54 housing planning applications are being considered which include the provision of an additional 1,700 affordable homes in rural parts of Somerset.
Current and recent rural schemes in Somerset include:
- Lavers Close in Woolavington where Shal has recently delivered 14 social-rented homes.
- Shiremoor Hill in Merriott, where Stonewater is building 39 affordable homes using modern methods of construction. The Merriott scheme is being delivered with Galion and WholeHouse by Travis Perkins, with a focus on energy efficiency and lower running costs for residents.
- Willow Tree Housing Partnership is in the process of constructing 8 affordable homes in Shepton Beauchamp which will be advertised on Homefinder Somerset later this year.
- In Spaxton, planning permission has been granted for 11 affordable homes at Peartwater Road, brought forward by Aster in partnership with Spaxton Community Land Trust.
Councillor Sarah Wakefield, Lead Member for Adults Services, Housing and Homelessness at Somerset Council, said:
Affordable housing is essential if we want our rural communities to remain strong, sustainable and welcoming places to live. It helps local people stay close to their families, jobs, schools and support networks, while also supporting local services and businesses.
We know how challenging it can be for people to find a home they can afford in rural Somerset, and twenty percent of households registered on Homefinder reside in our rural parishes. That is why we are working closely with our housing partners, developers, parish councils and communities to support the delivery of affordable homes that meet local needs.
Rural Housing Week is an important opportunity to recognise the progress being made, but also to highlight why continued partnership and investment are needed to deliver more homes for local people who live in the many and varied rural parts of Somerset.
Pictured: The Shiremoor Hill development in Merriott where Stonewater is building 39 affordable homes delivered with Galion and WholeHouse by Travis Perkins.
Photo credit: See Media.
