New Government Funding Supports Rural Housing Enablers

Carpenter’s yard estate, Shepherdswell

A Boost for Church Land Development

The UK Government has today announced £33 million in new funding to support rural communities, with a significant portion allocated to Rural Housing Enablers (RHEs)—the specialists who help unlock land for affordable housing in countryside areas. This is a crucial development for churches and dioceses looking to use glebe land for much-needed housing.

For many parishes, turning glebe land into residential developments is a challenging process. While it does increase the land’s value from agricultural to residential, the costs and complexities often outweigh the financial benefit. This is where Rural Housing Enablers step in. They navigate the planning system, work with parish councils, and help bring developments to life—ensuring that church land can be used effectively to support local communities.

With this new government funding, RHEs will have the resources to continue their vital work, helping churches and other landowners transform underused land into homes for those in need. This is a positive step towards tackling rural housing shortages while making the most of the church’s land assets.

If your parish or diocese is considering using glebe land for housing, now is a great time to explore your options with the help of an RHE. This funding ensures that more church-led housing projects can move from idea to reality, creating sustainable and affordable homes across rural England.

The Church Commissioners recently opened an affordable housing development in Shepherdswell, Kent on land opened up by Rural Housing Enablers.

For more details on the government’s funding announcement, read the full story here.