Prince Charles attempts to revive rural housing initiative

He was speaking on Monday by pre-recorded videolink to the Affordable Rural Housing Initiative Conference, organised by his office and the Duke of Westminster.

Prince Charles launched the initiative in June 2003 and the conference, in Cheshire, is its first high-profile event since then.

Privately, a number of rural housing providers have expressed disappointment that the initiative has not achieved more, particularly given the prince’s backing.

One, who did not want to be named, said: “Since launching his initiative, the prince has not done anything to ease the rural housing crisis.

“Instead, he has stolen the limelight from existing landowners and housing associations that are already managing to develop rural housing in small communities where it is needed. He has overlooked their hard work.”

Since June 2003, two directors have been appointed to run the initiative: Libby Sanbrook and Emily Trevorrow. They have used £250,000 to compile two guide books that will explain the options available to landowners and businesses on how to get involved with helping provide social housing.

A series of workshops are also being organised, beginning in Cornwall on 29 November. The rest will be announced in January.