Proactive rural development: Delivering social housing on Rathlin Island 

Meeting the growing demand for social homes in remote rural areas — particularly if that area is Northern Ireland’s only inhabited offshore island — presents a unique set of challenges, writes Rural Housing Association’s Ruth Buchanan. 

Rural Housing Association’s 10-unit scheme on Rathlin Island, Northern Ireland’s only inhabited offshore island, serves as a flagship example of how a proactive, collaborative, and community-informed approach can successfully identify and address hidden housing need. 

At the outset of this project, the Housing Executive’s waiting list data did not indicate any significant demand for social housing on Rathlin Island. However, a consultation exercise with the local community indicated the level of need may be higher than the waiting list indicated. Through early engagement with local community groups and residents, it became clear that a latent need existed. 

To ensure an accurate picture of housing need, we launched a coordinated multi-agency effort, working closely with partners including Rathlin Community Development Association, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council, and the Rural Community Network. 

Together, these stakeholders facilitated a comprehensive public consultation and a Rural Housing Needs Test, which reached individuals who had not yet come forward for assessment but were nonetheless experiencing housing stress. 

The results confirmed the existence of latent demand for housing on the island, providing the evidence base necessary for the Housing Executive to approve a new social housing development. This process highlights the critical role the Rural Housing Needs Test plays in revealing hidden demand and informing future provision in areas that may otherwise be overlooked. 

Following approval, we partnered with Studio Rogers Architects to design a scheme that would not only meet modern housing standards sit in harmony with the island’s unique landscape and heritage. Guided by our Rural Design Guide, the scheme respects local vernacular while incorporating high levels of energy efficiency and sustainability, essential considerations given both the remote location and the need to minimise long-term energy costs for tenants. 

Building on an offshore island brings its own set of logistical and infrastructure-related obstacles. From transporting equipment to utilities, every aspect of delivery required careful planning and coordination. Despite these challenges, the project progressed successfully and received full planning permission, underscoring the importance of adaptability and innovation in rural housing delivery. 

The Rathlin Island scheme stands as a model of how rural housing development can be driven by community insight, robust evidence, and design that respects place. Our approach shows that, even in the most remote locations, social housing can be both viable and transformative when need is correctly identified and addressed through strategic partnerships and informed planning.