RURAL AFFORDABLE HOUSING, WEST OXFORDSHIRE

Development of rural exception sites in Oxfordshire

During his time as Associate with Frankham Consultancy Group, Michael was the office lead for affordable housing and in this role, he oversaw the development of numerous rural affordable housing schemes, many based in the local towns and villages around his home in West Oxfordshire.

The schemes were initially carried out under the banner of the Oxfordshire Rural Housing Partnership, a partnership between the local authorities and housing associations working in conjunction with consultants and the Rural Community Council to find appropriate sites and garner support among local communities.

Michael did much of the feasibility work, planning design and public engagement, as well as overseeing the production information stages. He saw the development of more than a dozen schemes through to completion, including on two occasions working with the Duchy of Cornwall architect.

Many of the sites were challenging, often with difficult access or terrain, while some were located in the AONB or within a conservation area. The designs had to be sympathetic to the setting, not least to win over the local population.